Hisashi Iwakuma Pitches Well Enough in Triple-A Rehab Start

Apr 3, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Injured Seattle Mariners starting pitcher

(18) smiles during batting practice before the game against the Oakland Athletics at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Hisashi Iwakuma started the Tacoma Rainiers’ game on Sunday against the Las Vegas 51s.

In four innings of work, ‘Kuma allowed 3 runs (2 earned), on 6 hits and no walks. He struck out 2 in his 4 innings of work.

All the runs were given up in the first inning of the game. Iwakuma totalled 76 pitches thrown, 54 for strikes. He had good control and his typical slow-moving routine on the mound.

If there is anything to take away from last night’s rehab start it is this: Iwakuma is ready to join the Mariners on Friday in Houston.

After having missed all of Spring Training and the first month of a season with a injury to the middle finger on his throwing hand, ‘Kuma started his rehab and conditioning a few weeks ago. Throwing with the tennis ball went well. So to did the bullpen sessions and the simulated games.

Now, it’s time to bring the Mariners number 2 back to the bigs.

The Mariners rotation has been hanging by a thread this season with the release of Randy Wolf and injuries to Iwakuma, Taijuan Walker, James Paxton, and Brandon Maurer. Erasmo Ramirez struggled so much he was sent down to Single-A ball, while Chris Young and Roenis Elias have been pleasant surprises thus far in the season.

With a rough 10-14 start to the season, Iwakuma will be welcomed back to the rotation with open arms. The man who finished third in the 2013 Cy Young voting is desperately needed out on the mound every five days.

Keep your eyes on twitter and here at Sodo Mojo for any moves and update regarding roster moves.