EVERETT — There were a few more Hisashi Iwakuma jersey t-shirts and Kuma bear hats than usual at Everett Memorial Stadium Saturday night.
Mariners fans saw a familiar face suit up for the AquaSox with Iwakuma, a key member of Seattle’s starting rotation, making a rehab start for the Frogs against the Eugene Emeralds.
Iwakuma, who is working his way back from a strained lat muscle in his back, started for Everett and pitched 32/3 innings. The right-hander struck out three batters while allowing one earned run and three hits. Iwakuma finished the game with 56 pitches in the low-to-mid 80’s, topping out at 88 miles-per-hour according to the display board in left field at Everett Memorial Stadium.
“It’s always exciting to come back and pitch in a game,” Iwakuma said through interpreter Antony Suzuki. “I was very happy about that. I’m still working on mechanics right now, and that’s what I need to kind of work on as we go forward, but overall, I thought I did a good job today.”
Iwakuma threw 41 strikes to 15 balls — including a wild pitch — and faced 15 batters. Eugene’s Ian Happ, the Chicago Cubs’ first-round pick in the 2015 Major League Baseball draft (No. 9 overall), hit an 82 MPH fastball over the right-field fence to account for the lone run allowed by Iwakuma.
“Overall, I think I threw a lot of strikes,” Iwakuma said. “If you would ask me if I’m satisfied with my command with where I’m at right now, no. I left a lot of balls up in the zone. I need to get those balls down in the strike zone. That’s what I need to work on.”
It was just the second-ever minor-league game for Iwakuma in the United States, with the pitcher also playing in a rehab game for Triple-A Tacoma in 2014 after signing with the Mariners in 2012. Iwakuma is expected to undergo any further rehab assignments in Tacoma, possibly pitching on Thursday. Barring any setbacks, the Mariners hope to have Iwakuma back in their starting rotation in early July.
After Saturday’s game Iwakuma said he felt strong.
“It’s hard to say right now because I just came out but as of now I feel good,” Iwakuma said. “I feel like I could go some more innings. I’m sure I’ll have some tightness tomorrow but it’ll be good tightness after a start.”
Iwakuma hasn’t pitched in a game since April 20 because of his injury. An all-star in 2013, Iwakuma is 0-1 with a 6.61 earned-run average in three starts this season.
On Monday, Iwakuma threw a 40-pitch simulated game at Safeco Field — with Everett AquaSox players who had arrived from extended spring training that morning serving as the batters.
Saturday, Iwakuma joined the AquaSox in Everett and said he enjoyed the experience of pitching at Everett Memorial Stadium.
“It was a fresh experience, being able to pitch in front of local fans here. That was very nice,” Iwakuma said. “It’s a new experience for me and overall, it was a great experience.”
It was a good experience for the AquaSox as well. Everett manager Rob Mummau, back in Everett after leading the AquaSox in 2012 and 13, said having Seattle players in the clubhouse provides a unique and valuable opportunity for the Frogs’ players.
Mummau has worked with big league players on rehab assignments before. Former Mariners Erasmo Ramirez and Stephen Pryor both came to Everett previously for rehab stints with the AquaSox.
“Just to see how he goes about his business,” Mummau said. “Any time you have a big time-caliber pitcher on the mound for your team it’s pretty exciting for all the kids.”
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
