Hisashi Iwakuma to start on Monday for Mariners in place of Kevin Millwood

Half a season after he first debuted with the Mariners, Japanese pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma is finally going to start a game for the Mariners. He’ll be taking the spot of Kevin Millwood, who has been bounced back a bit after his latest groin injury.

Iwakuma has made strides since he showed up in spring training and alarmed coaches and team executives alike with a lack of velocity, poor command and a very slow recovery time after he pitched. But he’s gradually worked himself into a major league baseball rhythm where he knows more about what’s expected from him preparation wise and recovery-wise.

via Hisashi Iwakuma to start on Monday for Mariners in place of Kevin Millwood | Mariners Blog | The Seattle Times.