Much like with Felix Hernandez a week ago, the Mariners have decided to delay Hisashi Iwakuma’s return to the starting rotation following a shaky rehab start.
Iwakuma struggled in his second rehab outing on Monday night at Cheney Stadium. He pitched just two innings for Class AAA Tacoma, allowing four runs on four hits with two walks and three strikeouts. He threw 45 pitches, including 34 in the second inning.
“Obviously it was below average,” Iwakuma said through interpreter Antony Suzuki. “Out of 100, it was a probably a 40.”
Beyond the poor results, it was the way he pitched that was an issue.