Line drive knocks Mariners ace Felix Hernandez out of Cubs-M’s game

MESA, Ariz. – Mike Freeman’s two-run homer with one out in the bottom of the ninth tied it, and after more than 3 1/2 hours of baseball the teams settled for the 9-9 tie Monday at Sloan Park.

The only outcome of consequence involved the status of Mariners right-hander Felix Hernandez after he was hit near his right elbow by a Victor Caratini line drive in the second inning.

As the ball caromed toward left field, Hernandez — the six-time All-Star and 2010 Cy Young winner — immediately dropped his glove, grabbed his arm and jumped in pain.

He left the game with a trainer supporting the arm and was taken back to the Mariners’ spring complex, where precautionary x-ray results were negative. The Mariners say he will be examined again Tuesday and his status is considered day-to-day.

First impressions

Newly signed fifth starter Tyler Chatwood made his spring debut, pitching around a leadoff error and stranding two runners in a scoreless inning. After a throwing error by Addison Russell and a sacrifice bunt, Chatwood allowed a single, then got ex-Cub Junior Lake on an inning-ending 4-6-3 double play.

‘‘I was nervous, I’m not going to lie,’’ Chatwood said. ‘‘It’s a different uniform for the first time in a while.’’

Nauseous, so cautious

Third baseman Kris Bryant was scratched from the lineup because he showed up at the park not feeling well.

Taylor made

Taylor Davis, the career minor-league catcher who earned a major-league debut last September, replaced Anthony Rizzo at first base in the fifth, then drove an 0-2 pitch from Max Povse over the left-field wall in his first at-bat. He added a single to lead off the Cubs’ five-run eighth.

Bote ball

Playing third, prospect David Bote made the defensive play of the game in the top of the eighth. He slid across the gravel of the warning track near the stands to catch a foul pop. He then delivered a bases-loaded single in the bottom of the inning.

On deck: White Sox at Cubs, Mesa, Carson Fulmer vs. Jon Lester, 2:05 p.m. Tuesday, Ch. 9, cubs.com audio.

Follow me on Twitter @GDubCub.

Email: gwittenmyer@suntimes.com