ANAHEIM--We are getting closer to needing an answer to the question, what do the Mariners do with the rotation when Hisashi Iwakuma returns. Iwakuma made his second rehab start Thursday night in Tacoma and the reports were mixed.
"Kuma was okay," said Lloyd McClendon. "He continues to improve and move forward. The first 2 innings were a little tough, mechanics were off, he seemed to settle down in the 4th inning a little bit, threw a little better, but he's progressing."
The most encouraging sign was the velocity. Prior to going on the DL, Iwakuma's fastball velocity was down a tick.