Mariners sign Iwakuma to minor-league deal

The Seattle Mariners aren't giving up on Hisashi Iwakuma just yet, having signed the 36-year-old right-hander to a minor-league deal Monday.

Iwakuma will receive an invitation to big-league spring training.

The Japanese hurler only appeared in six games for the Mariners last season and the club declined its $10-million option on him at the beginning of November.

Iwakuma underwent arthroscopic debridement surgery on his right shoulder in September.

Over his six-year career in Seattle, he owns a 63-39 record with a 3.42 ERA in 150 games (136 starts).