When the Seattle Mariners report for spring training on Tuesday, they'll immediately start trying to answer whether their starting rotation has enough depth and how exactly they will shuffle a glut of players between left field, first base and designated hitter.

And why exactly there was a delay in an expected new contract for ace Felix Hernandez.

Seattle's pitchers and catchers will report on Tuesday morning, likely the first time Hernandez will be available since news broke last week of the Mariners working on a new contract for their star. ESPN.com and USA Today reported Sunday, citing unnamed sources, that the condition of Hernandez's pitching elbow could be a future issue and was delaying the contract announcement.

Hernandez's representatives have not returned messages seeking comment.