Seattle Mariners

With “The King” on the disabled list, the Mariners continue to reach for a helping of “The Big Maple.”

The team hopes the innings load of a 13-year career isn’t taking its toll on right-hander Felix

Hernandez, who will be out for at least two more weeks because of a sore shoulder. But while Hernandez, who has double-figure victories in eight consecutive seasons, takes a step back, James

Paxton has surged forward — and it comes with a nifty nickname.

Paxton, a 6-4 Canadian, is the rotation’s new ace after compiling four scoreless outings, two more than any other pitcher this season, in his first five starts. Paxton (3-0) tossed seven innings of no-run, four-hit ball April 26 against the Detroit Tigers, who had scored 32 runs in the previous two games.

“I want guys to feel confident when I take the mound,” Paxton said. “I think that they know that I’m giving it everything I’ve got when I go out there.”

Shortstop Jean Segura is considered the key player the Mariners received in their offseason trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks, but outfielder Mitch

Haniger has been more productive — but now he’s on the disabled list because of a strained muscle in his side. He was leading the American League in runs (20) and on-base percentage (.442) when he got hurt.

Boog Powell made his major league debut April 29 without making a plate appearance or going onto the field. Powell, who’s not related to the retired Baltimore Orioles slugger, was an-

“We’re better than the way we’ve played this year. All the indicators suggest we should be better. Now all we have to do is play better.” Seattle general manager Jerry Dipoto, on the Mariners’ dismal start

nounced as a pinch-hitter, then pulled back when the Cleveland Indians switched pitchers.