What It Means:

Vidal Nuno gets Monday's start against the Houston Astros in his place. Manager Lloyd McClendon just wants to get his staff some extra rest, saying, "I did the same thing last year. I freshened my pitchers up, and Felix had the best September of his career. I’ll do it again because it’s the right thing to do."

King Felix certainly hasn't been sharp in August, putting up a 6.60 ERA and a 1.53 WHIP in the month, despite a stellar 27:5 strikeout to walk ratio. Maybe this will help him get his head straight as the Mariners finish out the season.