Seattle Mariners Midseason Grades: The Starters

Jul 9, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) throws the ball against the Los Angeles Angels during the sixth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

J.A. Happ – 95.2 IP, 4.14 ERA, 3.55 FIP, 1.6 WAR

Happ is boringly having a nice season, and it’s boring largely because his ERA is so unspectacular. He’s what Elias was a year ago, minus all that youth and upside and intrigue. But let’s not overlook the job he’s done, especially given what was expected of him coming into this year (nothing). The front office insisted on trading Michael Saunders, and it looked like they got a bad deal. They didn’t. Grade: B

Felix Hernandez – 117.1 IP, 2.84 ERA, 3.27 FIP, 2.2 WAR

This is what a Felix Hernandez “down year” looks like. If you’d forgotten, that’s because he hasn’t had a season like this since 2011. He’s probably not going to get any first place Cy Young votes. But look what he’s done! Felix is just so, so incredible. He’s an all-star, and a deserving one. He’s the best pitcher in the history of this franchise. And hey, the year’s only halfway through. Maybe this does turn out to be his best season yet, just like it usually does. Grade: A