Mariners' Iwakuma still three weeks away from throwing
PEORIA, Ariz. -- Seattle Mariners right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma will wear a splint on his injured right middle finger for another three weeks before starting to throw.
Iwakuma was examined by Dr. Don Sheridan on Friday in Arizona. The additional three weeks is in line with the original recommendation of four to six weeks for Iwakuma to have his finger immobilized because of a strained tendon.
Iwakuma reported for spring training wearing the splint and said his finger got caught as he tried to retrieve a ball in some netting while working out in Southern California on Jan. 20. The team said Sheridan was happy with the progress of Iwakuma's recovery but wants to be cautious with the AL Cy Young finalist from a season ago.
Iwakuma went 14-6 with a 2.66 ERA in 33 starts last season.