After injuries limited him to six starts, Iwakuma felt like he didn't do his job for the Mariners last season. It motivated him to re-sign with the Mariners and make a comeback following shoulder surgery.
PEORIA, Ariz. — In spring training’s past, Hisashi Iwakuma’s days were planned to the minute with an almost compulsive diligence and structure.
Disciplined to his craft and experienced to know exactly what he needed/wanted to do to prepare for the upcoming season, Iwakuma rarely had free moments to himself other and a quiet cup of coffee in the clubhouse following breakfast. There was always running, strengthening, stretching and drills to work on his mechanics to go with the regular on-field workouts and throwing programs.