Hisashi Iwakuma will join the Seattle Mariners' starting rotation after the All-Star break, manager Eric Wedge said Friday.
The 31-year-old Iwakuma was a full-time starter in Japan before he signed with Seattle this season, winning the 2008 Sawamura Award. He will replace fellow right-hander Hector Noesi, who was sent to the minors after going 2-11 with a 5.77 ERA in 17 starts.
"I didn't get the job done last time, so I want to be ready next time," Iwakuma said. "I hope I can stay in the rotation from here on."