PEORIA, Ariz. -- While James Paxton remains lined up to start Opening Day for the Mariners, Felix Hernandez is still holding out hope of recovering from a bruised right forearm in time to pitch the first game of the season in less than two weeks.
The long-time Mariners standout took a positive step in that direction Friday with a strong 38-pitch bullpen session, his second time pitching off a mound since taking a line drive off his arm in his Cactus League debut on Feb. 26.
"I'm good. Thumbs up," Hernandez told reporters as he ambled off the mound, before shouting "I'm back!