SEATTLE (AP) - Felix Hernandez was placed on the 15-day disabled list late Monday night as the Seattle Mariners decided the best treatment for his sprained left ankle was a few more days of rest.
The move was retroactive to June 24, meaning Hernandez is eligible to come off the disabled list July 8.Hernandez, 6-5 with a 2.83 ERA, was injured June 23 against the New York Mets. Earlier in that game Hernandez became the first American League pitcher in 37 years to hit a grand slam, but was later injured when Carlos Beltran slid into his leg covering home on a wild pitch.
Hernandez was examined by team physicians Monday as the Mariners returned from a nine-game road trip. Manager Jim Riggleman said nothing significant was found, but since Hernandez was going to miss his next start anyway, the team decided to give his ankle a few more days of rest and put him on the disabled list.
"His landing foot is still not really right, (and) we're not going to put him out there till it is right," Riggleman said.
Seattle recalled LHP Cesar Jimenez from Triple-A Tacoma to take Hernandez's spot. Jimenez, a reliever, was 1-3 with a 3.55 ERA in 29 appearances with the Rainiers.
Reliever Ryan Rowland-Smith will make his first major league start Tuesday night against Toronto in place of Hernandez.
