M's activate Felix Hernandez; option RHP Jared Wells to Tacoma

SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners have activated right-handed ace Felix Hernandez from the 15-day disabled list and optioned right-hander Jared Wells to AAA Tacoma.

Hernandez was scheduled to start Friday night's game against the Royals in Kansas City.

Hernandez missed 16 games with a sprained left ankle. He was injured while covering home plate during a game against the New York Mets on June 23 when Carlos Beltran slid in to home plate, catching Hernandez's ankle.

Hernandez, 22, has made 16 starts for Seattle going 6-5, with a 2.83 ERA and striking out a team leading 93 batters.

Wells, 26, was recalled from Tacoma on July 10 but did not appear in a game for the Mariners. He was acquired by Seattle from San Diego in exchange for right-hander Cha Seung Baek on May 28.

Wells was 0-2 with six saves in 16 relief appearances with the Rainiers since joining the club.