Iwakuma (shoulder) went to get a second opinion on his injury, although it remains unlikely that he will be able to return to the mound this season, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It is obviously never a great sign when someone goes in to get a second opinion, but manager Scott Servais wouldn't rule out Iwakuma making a late-season return if everything breaks right. The right-hander was able to throw a simulated game Sunday, but was in line for a multi-start rehab appearance before heading to see the doctors Thursday, casting doubt on whether he will even get a chance to fully recover before the end of the year.

Iwakuma (shoulder) will throw a simulated game Saturday, Bob Dutton of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

This will mark Iwakuma's first time facing live hitters since suffering a setback in the middle of June. While this is an encouraging step in his recovery, Iwakuma is still expected to require a multi-start rehab assignment before being activated, so it's still unclear if he'll be able to return before the season ends. He's been sidelined since May 3 with shoulder issues.

Iwakuma (shoulder) completed a 40-pitch bullpen session Sunday, Bob Dutton of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Iwakuma has been throwing off the mound for nearly a month now, but the right-hander hasn't made enough progress during those sessions to prompt the Mariners to advance him to the next phase of the rehab process. Once he faces hitters, Iwakuma, who has been sidelined since May 3 with shoulder inflammation, would require a multi-start rehab assignment before being activated from the 60-day disabled list, which may not leave him with enough time to return before the season draws to a close.

Iwakuma (shoulder) had a positive bullpen session Monday, Jaylon Thompson of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The news was certainly welcome, considering Iwakuma's rehab process has been characterized by fits and starts. Mariners manager Scott Servais confirmed everything went well for the veteran right-hander and that he's likely to throw another bullpen session later in the week.

Iwakuma (shoulder) was scheduled to throw a bullpen session Monday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

There hasn't been any confirmation that Iwakuma indeed completed the session, but the Mariners should provide news in the coming days about the right-hander's status as he attempts to recover from shoulder inflammation. Given the multiple setbacks Iwakuma has endured in the rehab process since first hitting the disabled list in early May, the Mariners are no longer providing an estimated timetable for his return, though the club still maintains hope he'll pitch in the big leagues before the end of the season.

Iwakuma (shoulder) played catch Wednesday but remains without a timetable for return, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Iwakuma's absence is nearing three-and-a-half months, yet it remains uncertain if he'll even be able to take the mound again this season. The veteran right-hander has thrown a total of four bullpen sessions overall recently, but continues struggling intermittently with mechanics. Given that the clock is ticking on the remainder of the regular season -- as well as the mileage on his shoulder -- the Mariners could potentially make the call to give up on a 2017 return at some point in the near future, barring any sudden improvement.

Iwakuma said he struggled with his mechanics during a 25-pitch bullpen session Friday, Josh Horton of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Iwakuma's rehab from a shoulder injury suffered back in May just can't get off the ground. The Mariners were hoping to get him back in late August, but if Iwakuma can't get his bullpen sessions to move in the right direction very soon, that timeline will prove overly optimistic.

Iwakuma (shoulder) has been throwing off a mound while the Mariners were on their road trip, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

This marks another big step in Iwakuma's return from a shoulder injury that's has kept him on the shelf since early May. If all goes well, the veteran right-hander is hoping to progress to throwing a simulated game within the next week. It's still too early to attach an estimated return date to him, as he needs to make it through multiple more steps without any setbacks before being ready to rejoin the big-league rotation.

Iwakuma (shoulder) is continuing to throw long toss before games but is still awaiting clearance to throw off a mound, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Manager Scott Servais commented that Iwakuma is up to throwing from 140-150 feet out on a consistent basis, presumably putting him very close to being cleared for bullpen work. However, the veteran right-hander's timetable for a possible return to the big-league club remains as murky as ever, with Servais noting that 35-year-old could "possibly get back in the mix" this season if he managed to be completely pain-free.

Iwakuma (shoulder) was transferred to the 60-day disabled list Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Iwakuma has already missed 60 days due to this current shoulder issue, so this doesn't affect when he'll be able to return to the rotation. It's simply a move to allow the recently-signed Danny Espinosa to join the active roster. The right-hander continues to stretch out his arm with long toss, but he still remains without a firm timetable for return.