Iwakuma (shoulder) will make his second rehab start at Triple-A Tacoma on Monday, Bob Dutton of The News Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Iwakuma was dominant over four innings of one-hit ball for High-A Modesto on Wednesday and emerged without any setbacks to his shoulder. He'll see a higher caliber of competition when he takes the hill for the Rainiers, and another positive outing could lead to his activation.

Iwakuma (shoulder) fired four scoreless innings for High-A Modesto against San Jose on Wednesday, giving up just one hit and recording four strikeouts.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran right-hander wasn't expected to have much trouble considering the level of competition, but the dominant outing was nevertheless encouraging. The most important aspect for Iwakuma was that he apparently emerged without setbacks while getting in a solid amount of work, leaving him lined up for what should be a second and final rehab start within a few days.

Iwakuma (shoulder) is expected to require at least two rehab starts before returning to the Mariners' rotation, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Initial reports stated that the right-hander may be able to return after just one start, but it seems like the Mariners will instead bring him along a little slower in order to avoid any re-injury. In the meantime, Iwakuma is expected to throw 45 pitches for High-A Modesto on Wednesday. This would line him up to return later in the month, although a firmer date should come forth following the second start.

Iwakuma (shoulder) is set for a rehab outing Wednesday at High-A Modesto and could be activated off the disabled list thereafter, Shannon Drayer of MyNorthwest.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Mariners plan on having Iwakuma make just one tuneup outing during his rehab assignment before rejoining the team. He has progressed well during his rehab, throwing a bullpen session and a simulated game without incident. Assuming that his start Wednesday goes off without a hitch, he figures to return to the Mariners' rotation for their home series against the Tigers beginning June 19.

Iwakuma (shoulder) threw a 50-pitch bullpen Thursday and is scheduled to throw again Sunday, Bob Dutton of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thursday marked another significant step in Iwakuma's rehab as he made it through another session without incident. The expectation is that he'll throw a two-inning simulated game Sunday, at which point the Mariners will decide on Iwakuma's next step. A late-June return date still appears to be in the realm of possibility for Iwakuma, so a rehab assignment could be next on the docket after Sunday's sim game.

Iwakuma (shoulder) will throw a second simulated game Thursday at Safeco Field before batting practice, Bob Dutton of The News Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Iwakuma threw a sim game last Saturday as well and reported no setbacks, so Thursday will represent a second test for his shoulder. If all goes well once again, the veteran right-hander, who's been on the disabled list since May 10, could be ready to begin a minor-league rehab assignment next week.

Iwakuma (shoulder) reported no discomfort after throwing two innings in a simulated game Saturday, Bob Dutton of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Iwakuma called it a "step in the right direction" following the outing, but notes he still has work to do before declaring himself to be completely healthy. Manager Scott Servais said the right-hander will likely throw another simulated game before beginning a minor-league rehab assignment, which would position him for a return sometime in late June. Iwakuma, who last pitched in a game on May 4, had posted an unimpressive 4.35 ERA and .237 BAA through six starts before being sidelined.

Iwakuma (shoulder) said he felt much better after tossing a 25 pitch bullpen session Tuesday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is promising news after Iwakuma had his rehab scheduled slowed a little due to some soreness he experienced following Saturday's bullpen. The 35-year-old is now set to toss another bullpen session, and if all goes well, he could progress to facing live hitters in a simulated game shortly after.

Iwakuma (shoulder) have his rehab schedule slowed after he experienced some soreness following Saturday's bullpen session, Bob Dutton of The News Tribune reports. "Hisashi Iwakuma is not quite as quick to move along as Felix (Hernandez)" manager Scott Servais said. "He's still working on a few things. He may get (back) on the slope in the next couple of days."

EDGE Analysis

The veteran right-hander apparently was feeling residual effects after what was his first bullpen during his recovery, so the Mariners will tread cautiously for the time being with the 35-year-old. Iwakuma was 0-2 with a 4.35 ERA and 1.26 WHIP across 31.0 innings before being shut down with shoulder inflammation May 10.

Iwakuma said his shoulder felt fine after Saturday's bullpen session, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Saturday's marks the first time Iwakuma has tossed a bullpen since landing on the disabled list. Although the right-hander wasn't overly excited with the session, it was a big step in working his way back to the big-league rotation. He's set to throw another bullpen in the next couple days, at which point there should be a clearer timetable for his return, though mid-June still seems like the earliest possibility.