Felix Hernandez

Mariners' Felix Hernandez (shoulder) scheduled for a simulated game on Friday

Seattle Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a few innings in a simulated game on Friday.

What It Means:

Depending on how the simulated game goes, Hernandez' minor league rehab stint could begin as soon as next Wednesday. Shoulder inflammation landed the 31-year-old ace on the disabled list on April 26.

Hernandez opened 2017 with a 4.73 ERA, 3.59 SIERA, 18.6 percent strikeout rate, 2.5 percent walk rate and 1.58 WHIP through five starts (26 2/3 innings pitched).