Iwakuma (shoulder) will throw a live batting practice session Friday in Peoria, Arizona, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's another step for the veteran right-hander as he continues his journey back from 2017 right shoulder surgery. Iwakuma threw 24 pitches in a simulated game at Triple-A Tacoma last Saturday and emerged without setbacks, and Friday's session will mark his second time facing hitters during his rehab.

Iwakuma threw 24 pitches in a simulated game at Triple-A Tacoma on Saturday and came away without issues, Dave Sessions of MLB.com reports. "It went very well," Servais said. "Nothing to concern ourselves coming out of it. He'll do it again before he starts going out and pitching in regular games. It was positive."

EDGE Analysis

The veteran right-hander was facing hitters for the first time since undergoing shoulder surgery last September. It was yet another positive step for Iwakuma, who has been able to get through regular bullpen sessions in the weeks prior to Saturday's simulated game without setbacks as well. Iwakuma's next step is likely to be either another simulated game or an official minor-league rehab start.

Iwakuma (shoulder) is scheduled to face live hitters in a simulated game at Triple-A Tacoma on Friday, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Iwakuma got through another bullpen with no issues Monday, clearing the way for him to progress to facing live hitters for the first time since undergoing shoulder surgery in September of 2017. If the veteran right-hander continues to progress on schedule, he could be cleared to begin a minor-league rehab assignment in a few weeks.

Iwakuma (shoulder) continues to throw regular bullpen sessions and could face hitters in a simulated game next week, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Iwakuma continues to trudge along in his post-surgery rehab schedule. If things continue to progress as planned, he could begin a minor-league rehab assignment in a few weeks, TJ Cotterill of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

Iwakuma (shoulder) threw a 26-pitch bullpen session at Safeco Field prior to Thursday's game, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

He's making such good progress that he's already slated for a third session Sunday, which puts him ahead of schedule in his recovery. If he continues free of setbacks, Iwakuma will be able to continue his rehab work with Triple-A Tacoma when the Rainiers open their season next Thursday.

Iwakuma accompanied the Mariners back to Seattle and will remain with them on their first road trip while continuing post-surgery rehab on his shoulder, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander has already progressed to bullpens, firing a strong 24-pitch session last Sunday. Iwakuma's proximity as he progressively ramps up his activity will allow manager Scott Servais and pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre, Jr. to keep a close eye on their veteran charge, who's expected to make a late May/early June return if he remains free of setbacks.

Iwakuma (shoulder) threw a strong 24-pitch bullpen session Sunday, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports. "It's step one," said manager Scott Servais. "He's got a long ways to come back, but I know he was anxious to get on the mound and all reports are it was very good."

EDGE Analysis

It was the right-hander's first bullpen session in his recovery from October 2017 shoulder surgery. The development is certainly encouraging, although Iwakuma's most optimistic recovery timetable remains late spring/early summer for the time being.

Iwakuma (shoulder) was released and re-signed by the Mariners on Monday, Chris Cotillo of SB Nation reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Mariners performed the odd contractual maneuver in order to avoid paying Iwakuma a $100,000 retention bonus. He'll remain with the team on identical terms to the minor-league deal he signed back in November. The 36-year-old is working his way back from October shoulder surgery but isn't expected to return until late May at the earliest. He has a chance to make the Mariners' rotation once healthy.

Iwakuma is scheduled to throw his first bullpen of spring Sunday, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's another pleasantly surprising development in Iwakuma's recovery from October shoulder surgery, following his return to a mound last Monday for a brief 10-pitch session. Manager Scott Servais continues to hold out hope that the veteran right-hander will yet play a pivotal role for the club once he's able to make what will likely be an early-summer return. "I'm very excited about where he's at," Servais said. "I keep saying it. We will need him. I would love to see him get back and have another impactful run for us. I hope it's not just my heart over my head, because I really respect and love what he does on the mound for us. I really believe he's going to help us."

Iwakuma (shoulder) threw 10 pitches off a mound Monday, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Initial reports are good, as the embattled right-hander commented that it was as good as his arm felt since last spring. Iwakuma's next step is to throw a complete bullpen session on Sunday, after his status should become clearer. He still appears to be on track for a return in late May or early June.