Mariners ace Felix Hernandez hit by line drive in spring training game

Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez. (Frank Franklin II/AP)

MESA, Ariz. — Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez was hit in his pitching arm by a line drive Monday and forced to leave his spring training debut.

The Mariners said a precautionary X-ray of his right forearm was negative.

Hernandez was listed as day-to-day. He will be re-evaluated Tuesday.

The 31-year-old star, slowed by injuries last year, was struck by a liner from Victor Caratini of the Chicago Cubs.

After being hit, Hernandez immediately grabbed his arm and didn’t pursue the ball on the infield grass.

Hernandez went down to a knee, hopped up and walked around in obvious pain. He headed to the dugout with a trainer holding his arm, and Caratini gave him a tap of encouragement.

Hernandez spent considerable time on the disabled list last season because of shoulder trouble. The 2010 AL Cy Young Award winner was 6-5 with a 4.36 ERA in 16 starts.

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