Seattle Mariners

It will be telling to see the Mariners’ starting pitcher when they play the Astros on Aug. 12. If it’s right-hander Felix Her

nandez, that means he still has a hold on his shaky spot in the rotation despite displaying far from dominating stuff.

If it’s Erasmo Ramirez (shoulder), that means his three-month injury stint is over and Seattle’s staff could get a boost after a dismal July.

Either way, Ramirez will contribute in some capacity. He got his fastball up to its usual speed, about 95 mph, during his seven minor league outings, in which he compiled a 2.45 ERA.

“Everything is going the right way,” he said. “I’m throwing the ball wherever I want, no pain or soreness.”

❚ Second baseman Dee Gordon twisted his right ankle and missed the Aug. 4-5 games, but the M’s can’t turn to Robinson

Cano — his 80-game suspension for violating MLB’s performance-enhancing drug policy doesn’t end until Aug. 14. Cano began a rehab assignment Aug. 6 and isn’t expected to play second when he returns because he’s ineligible for the playoffs.

“To come back here to the clubhouse where we left it is fun. There’s a certain level of excitement. We have some good memories here.” George Springer Astros outfielder and World Series MVP, on returning to Los Angeles for a regularseason rematch of last year’s Fall Classic