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Seattle Mariners

Iwakuma’s recovery will continue with simulated game

Mariners pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma made just three starts this season before his injury. (Associated Press)
Ryan Divish Seattle Times

HOUSTON – Hisashi Iwakuma’s recovery from a strained lat muscle has finally progressed to the point where it’s possible to envision his return to the starting rotation.

Iwakuma threw his third bullpen session of his recovery on Wednesday at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma and came out of it healthy.

“He threw a really good ’pen,” Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon said.

The next step in the process will be a simulated game Monday. With the Mariners on the road and Class AAA Tacoma also gone, Iwakuma will throw the simulated game at Class-A Everett. Players for the AquaSox don’t report until June 16, but there will be players around to handle the three-inning, 45-pitch simulated game.

If that goes well, Iwakuma would begin his rehab stint with Class AAA Tacoma and pitch next Saturday in Albuquerque, N.M.

McClendon said previously that he’d lean toward Iwakuma making three rehab starts because of the significant time missed. Iwakuma was placed on the DL on April 24 and has missed 45 games. If he starts June 20 and stays on normal rest for three rehab starts, it would put his return somewhere around July 5.

With James Paxton also on the disabled list, the Mariners could use a healthy Iwakuma back in their starting rotation, though rookie Mike Montgomery has done an admirable job of filling the last spot in the rotation.

Paxton’s return from a strained tendon in his middle finger isn’t quite as imminent. After being shut down for two weeks, he has had tests on the finger. But the results are still being evaluated. Paxton has yet to begin throwing.

M’s designate Weeks

The Mariners have designated Rickie Weeks for assignment and recalled right-hander Danny Farquhar from Triple-A Tacoma.

The moves come after Seattle had to use its bullpen for 5 2/3 innings on Thursday and 7 2/3 innings on Friday in tough starts by J.A. Happ and Felix Hernandez.

Weeks hit .167 with one homer and nine RBIs in 37 games.

The Associated Press

contributed to this report.