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.