RHP Hisashi Iwakuma will not pitch for at least four to six weeks after suffering a strained tendon on the middle finger on his throwing hand, the Mariners said Wednesday. Iwakuma, who finished third in last year’s Cy Young Award voting, suffered hurt himself working out in Southern California in preparation for spring training. Pitchers and catchers reported to Peoria, AZ., Wednesday.
Dr. Don Sheridan examined Iwakuma’s finger and placed it in a splint. He will be examined again in three weeks.
“Luckily, this does not appear to be a serious injury,” said GM Jack Zduriencik. “It’s a setback, but we are confident that he will quickly overcome the missed time and be able to join our rotation early in the regular season.”
Iwakuma went 14-6 with a 2.66 ERA and 1.00 WHIP last season. He led the American League in WAR for pitchers (7.0) and made his first All-Star team.
Also, the Mariners open their new baseball academy in the Dominican Republic Thursday. The academy is on 24 acres and will serve as a residential facility where prospects will live, work out, attend school and develop their baseball skills as they prepare athletically and culturally for careers in the U.S.
2 Comments
Oh, is Lincoln gone? No? The who cares?
Not a big deal, though it could mean he might be off to a slow start when the season begins. I’ll still draft him for my fantasy team!