Mariners notes: Hisashi Iwakuma says Friday is just ‘another start’

SEATTLE – The goal Friday for right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma is to approach his start against Oakland as he would for any other game – and not to think about it possibly being his last appearance in a Mariners uniform.

“No difference,” he said. “I just look at it as another start. I just need to prepare for this start like I have for every start in the past. The rest will take care of itself.”

Iwakuma, 34, is a pending free agent who is completing his fourth season with the Mariners after pitching for 11 years in Japan’s Pacific League with Kintetsu and Rakuten.

He continues to maintain that he prefers to remain in Seattle but offers little more on the subject. He is making $7 million this year and is seeking a multiyear contract.

“I feel the same,” he said. “No different from what I’ve said before. I like playing here in Seattle, and we’ll let the rest take care of itself.”

Club officials have expressed interest in retaining Iwakuma and hold exclusive negotiating rights for five days following the completion of the World Series.

Iwakuma missed 2 1/2 months this season because of a strained back muscle that he suffered in a late-April workout. He enters Friday’s game at 9-5 with a 3.67 ERA in 19 starts.

Iwakuma is 47-25 with a 3.19 ERA in 110 games, including 96 starts, since joining the Mariners.

Players choice finalist

Seattle outfielder Nelson Cruz is one of three finalists for the Players Choice Award as the American League’s Most Outstanding Player along with Toronto third baseman Josh Donaldson and Los Angeles outfielder Mike Trout.