SEATTLE -- Hisashi Iwakuma didn't sound quite ready to leave the Mariners, but the 37-year-old right-hander still wants to pitch. And that means returning to Japan and pursuing opportunities in his native land next season after two injury-plagued final seasons in Seattle.
The veteran starter said Tuesday he believes he can still pitch and will be ready by Spring Training to compete for a Japanese team. Iwakuma spent this year on a Minor League contract with the Mariners while attempting to rehab from shoulder surgery and made two starts for Class A Everett last week in the Northwest League playoffs, though he was limited to three innings of work.