Concerns have arisen about the physical condition of Seattle Mariners ace pitcher Felix Hernandez, who last week agreed to a seven-year, $175 million contract extension with the team.
According to ESPN, that contract agreement is not near completion, as both sides work through reported issues, including Hernandez’s health.
His elbow condition is perceived by at least one of the parties in the deal as being a possible impediment to an agreement of the new contract, according to the network.
“It’s an issue,” said one source told ESPN.
Mariners General Manager Jack Zduriencik, however, told MLB.com on Sunday that his ace has been on a normal throwing routine in his preparations for spring training and is expected to report with the Mariners’ other pitchers and catchers on Tuesday.
He said Hernandez would undergo his physical exam in Peoria, Ariz., “and we’ll get rolling.”
“I’m not going to comment on any of that other stuff. It’s ridiculous. I’ve watched him at [Safeco Field] for the last month or so throwing, and he’s his normal self,” he told MLB.com.
Hernandez has been a workhorse in his career, throwing 1,620 1/3 innings. Since 1969, only three pitchers have thrown more innings before their 27th birthday, according to Elias Sports Bureau, — Bert Blyleven, Fernando Valenzuela and Dwight Gooden.
But as salaries have skyrocketed over the last 15 years, teams have become increasingly wary of medical concerns.
