The Mariners are hopeful that Iwakuma (shoulder) will be available to pitch by late May or early June, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Since Iwakuma is attending spring training on a minor-league deal, the Mariners can oversee his recovery from right shoulder surgery over the next couple months without having to add him to the 40-man roster and then stashing him on the disabled list. Iwakuma remains limited to throwing off flat ground but believes he'll be able to throw off a mound before camp concludes.

Iwakuma (shoulder) could throw his first bullpen as soon as next week, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Japanese right-hander has quietly progressed nicely in his throwing program this spring. Iwakuma still isn't expected to return until sometime in mid-May, but it's certainly encouraging to hear that his rehab program is going off without a hitch.

Iwakuma (shoulder) will be eased into spring camp, although the team is optimistic that he will be able to start bullpen sessions in early March, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Iwakuma was cleared to resume throwing in late January after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder in September. It's expected that he will remain sidelined until mid-May at the earliest, although it will be useful to monitor his status throughout spring training. Expect another update on his recovery in the near future.

Iwakuma (shoulder) has been cleared to resume throwing, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Iwakuma continues to slowly work his way back from September shoulder surgery, and while this is a big step in his rehab, he's still not expected to be ready to pitch until May or early June. His status should continue to be updated as he progresses in his rehab; the hope is that Iwakuma will be able to return for the second half of 2018.

Iwakuma will likely be sidelined until May or early June while he continues to recover from shoulder surgery, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Iwakuma recently signed a minor-league contract with Seattle earlier this week, and although it came with an invite to spring training, the soon-to-be 36-year-old may not be ready to begin throwing at that time. There will be an update on his status as the season nears, while the club hopes that he will be able to contribute in the second half of the year.

Iwakuma has agreed to a minor-league deal with the Mariners that includes an invitation to spring training.

EDGE Analysis

It turns out Iwakuma will return to Seattle despite the team declining his $10 million club option at the end of the season. The 36-year-old made just six starts last year -- going 0-2 with a 4.35 ERA and 16:12 K:BB across 31 innings -- before undergoing arthroscopic surgery near the end of September to clean up some structural damage in his throwing arm. It's still unclear if Iwakuma will be ready for the start of the season, as he isn't expected to resume throwing until the end of February, barring any setbacks. The right-hander went 16-12 with a 4.12 ERA and 147:46 K:BB in 33 starts (199 innings) in 2016.

Seattle declined Iwakuma's $10 million club option for the 2018 season, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Iwakuma is officially a free agent at this point in time, although it remains a decent possibility that the club will bring him back on a minor-league contact for next year. The 36-year-old was only able to make six starts this past year, and underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery near the end of September to clean up some of the structural damage in his throwing arm. It remains to be seen whether Iwakuma will be ready at the start of season, since he likely won't be able to resume throwing until the end of February, barring any further setbacks.

Iwakuma underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder Friday and will resume throwing in five months.

EDGE Analysis

That timetable would have Iwakuma beginning his rehabilitation right around the start of spring training. As such, it isn't guaranteed that the 36-year-old will be healthy and ready to go by the start of next season. Seattle has a $10 million option on the starter, but given Iwakuma's age and declining performance over the past two seasons, he may be on his way to free agency.

Mariners manager Scott Servais confirmed Tuesday that Iwakuma (shoulder) won't pitch again in 2017, Josh Horton of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran has been sidelined since early May with inflammation in his right shoulder and held out hope that he'd be able to return at some point in September, but with multiple setbacks derailing him along the way and Iwakuma having not progressed past throwing a simulated game, it was no longer feasible for him to rejoin the team with 11 contests remaining on the schedule. Since the shoulder has been a recurring issue for him in recent seasons, Iwakuma plans to weigh treatment options this offseason, with surgery seemingly a possibility. Iwakuma, who will turn 36 in December, seems likely to have his $10 million club option declined this winter.

Iwakuma admitted to having some structural damage in his injured right shoulder Tuesday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Iwakuma added that he is exploring all recovery options, but has yet to make a definitive decision with regards to a course of action. The 36-year-old would obviously love to return during the final weeks of the season, but that is looking less likely as each day passes. Iwakuma hasn't pitched in a game since May 3.