Seattle Mariners right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma pitched four shutout innings for the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers on Thursday as he continues his recovery from a strained back and side.
Sidelined since April 23 and on the disabled list, he struck out four, allowed three hits and walked one in 68 pitches against the Reno Aces, the Arizona Diamondbacks' Triple-A club.
"My body still opens up early with some balls slipping out, but while making adjustment I could keep them low," said Iwakuma, who threw 12 more pitches than on Saturday, when he pitched 3-2/3 innings for Single-A Everett and allowed a run.
"I had better arm action, there're only small bits left (to adjust)," said the former Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles ace, who tuned up with 10 more pitches in the bullpen afterward. He has pitched in three games for the Mariners this season and is 0-1 with a 6.61 ERA.