Eric Wedge talks about Felix Hernandez and Michael Saunders.

by Curtis Crabtree
KJR reporter
Twitter: @Curtis_Crabtree

SAFECO FIELD - Eric Wedge said Friday that Felix Hernandez will not start against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday and will instead bump back one more game to start against the San Diego Padres on Tuesday.

Hernandez missed his last start due to tightness in his back. Wedge said Hernandez is feeling much better, but that with another off-day on Monday, they wanted to give him two more days of rest just to be careful.

Hernandez will still be able to make six starts before the All-Star break even after getting moved back two days.

Blake Beavan will get the start against the Dodgers in place of Hernandez on Sunday.

With the Mariners returning home, the biggest question is can the team keep the offense rolling after a very strong roadtrip.

Michael Saunders led the offensive charge hitting .487 on the roadtrip with nine runs scores, five doubles, two home runs and five RBI. The torrid stretch allowed Saunders to raise his batting average from .224 to .277, which is now best on the team for the season.

Lineups:

Los Angeles Dodgers

SS Dee Gordon
3B Elian Herrera
RF Andre Ethier
DH Juan Rivera
LF Bobby Abreu
2B Jerry Hairston
1B James Loney
C A.J. Ellis
CF Tony Gwynn Jr.

RHP Nathan Eovaldi, 0-2, 2.84 ERA

Seattle Mariners

RF Ichiro Suzuki
2B Dustin Ackley
3B Kyle Seager
C Jesus Montero
1B Justin Smoak
CF Michael Saunders
DH John Jaso
LF Mike Carp
SS Munenori Kawasaki