Mariners' Hisashi Iwakuma: Inching toward return

Iwakuma (shoulder) continues to throw regular bullpen sessions and could face hitters in a simulated game next week, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

Iwakuma continues to trudge along in his post-surgery rehab schedule, and he's slated for two live batting practice sessions as his next step, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports. If things continue to progress as planned, he could begin a minor-league rehab assignment in a few weeks, TJ Cotterill of The Tacoma News Tribune reports.