Felix Hernandez

Felix Hernandez opted out of his minor-league contract and became a free agent Monday.

Fantasy Impact

Hernandez signed with the Orioles as a non-roster invitee during the offseason. He sustained an elbow injury two weeks ago and has yet to resume throwing off the mound. The veteran RHP opted out of his minor-league deal with Baltimore and will look to latch onto another team. Hernandez owned a 6.40 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, and a 57:25 K: BB across 71 2/3 innings for the Mariners in 2019.

Felix Hernandez (elbow) will throw a side session on Wednesday, according to manager Brandon Hyde. Hyde has not ruled out Hernandez being ready for Opening Day.

Fantasy Impact

This is encouraging news for King Felix, as he is still trying to cement his spot in the Baltimore rotation. After John Means, the Orioles' rotation is wide open, so it is very possible Hernandez could be featured in the rotation throughout 2021. If King Felix is ready for the first week of the season, he will likely see a limited workload in his first few starts.

Orioles RHP Felix Hernandez, who's been dealing with right elbow discomfort, is "feeling better," according to Orioles manager Brandon Hyde.

Fantasy Impact

Hyde added that Hernandez won't make his next start but it's still nice to hear he's feeling better. King Felix exited Tuesday's Grapefruit League start with some elbow discomfort and he struggled up to this point. He's got a 7.94 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, and 5:2 K/BB ratio over 5 2/3 innings so far this spring. If his performance hadn't already hampered his chances of cracking the Opening Day roster then this elbow setback certainly has.

Felix Hernandez, who exited Tuesday's spring training game with elbow discomfort, is being listed as day-to-day for the time being.

Fantasy Impact

Manager Brandon Hyde indicated that Hernandez is being treated for a sore elbow, and there is currently no MRI scheduled. There is no timetable for Hernandez's return. King Felix was hoping to earn a spot in a wide open Orioles rotation, but he and the club will now have to wait and see how his elbow progresses.

Orioles starter Felix Hernandez exited Tuesday's Spring Training game after just one inning, and we now know the reason why. General manager Mike Elias says that the six-time All-Star and former Cy Young award winner is dealing with discomfort in his right elbow.

Fantasy Impact

Injuries to a pitcher's throwing arm are always concerning, so this injury should be monitored closely. King Felix latched on with Baltimore this offseason in hopes of returning to the majors after opting out of the 2020 season as a member of the Braves. Prior to his stint with Atlanta, Hernandez spent 15 seasons in Seattle. During his time with the Mariners, he went 169-136 with a 3.42 ERA. Through 5.2 innings this spring, he owns a 7.94 ERA with five earned runs on six hits. He has walked two batters and struck out five.