Felix Hernandez will now pitch out of the bullpen for the Seattle Mariners. Following another rough start, this one coming against the Texas Rangers, the announcement was made that Hernandez would see a shift in his role for the team. During his time with the media on Thursday night (August 9), Mariners manager Scott Servais revealed the news to fans.

This has been a rough season for Hernandez.

He has started 23 games for the Mariners, posting a 5.73 ERA, a 1.44 WHIP, and an 8-10 record. For a guy with a 3.32 ERA and 1.20 WHIP for his career, those numbers aren't even close to what he could once do on the mound. His best year was probably during the 2014 MLB season when he posted a 2.14 ERA, a 0.92 WHIP, and a 15-6 record over 34 starts.

Scott Servais shares the news

After beating the Houston Astros on Thursday night, Servais spoke with reporters about what was taking place. For the first time in his career, Felix Hernandez was taken out of the starting rotation due to ineffectiveness.

It had been noted, that during the game, Hernandez went out to the bullpen with closer Edwin Diaz. There was a lot of chatter about what had taken place. Later, it was revealed that Hernandez was told the news before the game got started.

Servais spoke at length about this decision for the team and how the Mariners arrived at the choice to place Hernandez in the bullpen. He went on to say that (as relayed by reporter Ryan Divish), "I certainly respect him and everything he’s done here throughout his career, but these things happen and ultimately it’s about the team. It’s never easy. But hopefully he takes it the right way. Maybe he can work his way back into the rotation.

We’ll see.[sic]"

What's next for the Mariners and Hernandez?

Felix Hernandez was slated to pitch on Sunday (August 12) against the Houston Astros, so the Seattle Mariners' rotation will have to shift a bit. There are rumors that Erasmo Ramirez could take that spot in the rotation, but no official word has come from the team. Ramirez is currently pitching for Triple-A Tacoma, where he has struggled since coming off the disabled list. It has many Mariners fans asking whether he is ready to step into a playoff race for the team.

In other news for the Mariners, Robinson Cano is working hard for his return to the team. He hit a home run for Tacoma and has been working at first base and third base in order to provide more lineup flexibility for the team.

That could be a huge boost for the team, especially with 10 more games against the Oakland Athletics this season. Getting Cano back in the lineup could provide a spark, much like when the team used Mitch Haniger at the leadoff spot against the Astros on August 9. Haniger went 4-for-5 with a leadoff home run in the game.