Mariners

PEORIA, Ariz. — Getting off the field proved far tougher for Hisashi Iwakuma than anything he did on it his first day as a major-leaguer.

The veteran Japanese League starter took part in the first day of workouts for Mariners pitchers and catchers at the Peoria Sports Complex on Sunday, declaring that it seemed easier than what he had previously done overseas. Indeed, the biggest challenge Iwakuma, 30, faced was getting back to his clubhouse when the workout was done, given how he was swarmed by Japanese and American well-wishers hoping for his autograph and to pose for pictures.

A media-relations representative finally had to guide Iwakuma through the mob and back to his locker.

"This is the first time I've seen that many people around me wanting to talk and get my autograph," Iwakuma said, through interpreter Daisuke Sekiba. "I'll try to do it as much as I can. As long as I have time, though."

And time will be of the essence for Seattle this spring as coaches try to evaluate who will fill a handful of rotation and bullpen spots from among the 35 pitchers on hand. The Mariners hope Iwakuma can slot in behind Felix Hernandez and Jason Vargas to be a solid middle-of-the-rotation presence.

But Iwakuma first has to show he's all the way back from arm problems that plagued him last season while pitching in Japan. Iwakuma also has to adjust to big-league life on the fly, a process he began Sunday morning when he took the field for a series of stretching exercises and drills with his new teammates.

"I felt like it was pretty easy," he said. "Because we spent two hours just for the warmup in Japan. And we do a lot of stuff, just with fundamentals. I felt this was really good for my first day as a major-leaguer."

Vargas said that the quicker Iwakuma realizes that baseball is baseball no matter what country it's played in, the easier his adjustment should be. He said Iwakuma will eventually come to appreciate the advantages of a lighter daily workload ahead of a longer schedule than he's used to.

"He's going to find out that you don't have to do a more extensive routine in order to get ready to pitch every fifth day over a longer schedule," Vargas said. "It gets to a point where its sometimes better to have that lighter workout."

Pitchers in Japan are asked to pitch once per week over a 142-game season compared to every five days over 162 games in the majors. The Mariners have already told Iwakuma he won't be starting either of the two regular-season games in Japan against the Oakland Athletics. Mariners manager Eric Wedge reaffirmed that here Sunday, telling the media: "We're probably looking at Vargas right now in regards to the first couple of games."

Felix Hernandez will pitch the opener in Japan, followed by Vargas, who is fresh off signing a $4.8 million deal with the club.

Vargas didn't embark on any major changes this winter, saying he felt comfortable with how his second half finished up last year after some midseason struggles. He enters 2012 as one of the rotation's senior members and knowing there could be more expectations placed on him to deliver.

"Obviously, you're young when you start out, but I still think that every year you come in you look to be someone who is going to be out there a lot and doing a lot," he said. "And every year you do it, you gain a little more experience and hopefully become a better pitcher in the long run."

Wedge has let players know all winter that there will be increased expectations this season. Wedge spoke briefly to the players before and after Sunday's workout, but is saving a more extensive talk for when all players report for the first full-squad practice Saturday.

Wedge is counting on Iwakuma to help stabilize a rotation that's somewhat short on experience after the departures of Erik Bedard and Doug Fister.

"He had a lot of success in Japan as a starting pitcher," Wedge said. "He can throw multiple pitches for strikes. Throws the ball over. He's aggressive. He got a little dinged up last year, so we're hoping he's going to be healthy this year for us."

Iwakuma said he was just happy to get his first major-league workout under his belt and admitted to being excited and somewhat nervous throughout. He'll throw his first bullpen session Monday and said he's trying not to overdo things as he goes about showcasing himself in front of his new team.

"This is my first time as a major-leaguer, so I'm trying to look and learn about what's going on," he said. "If I have the chance, I'll try to let everybody know who I am."

Geoff Baker: 206-464-8286 or gbaker@seattletimes.com. On Twitter @gbakermariners. Read his daily blog at www.seattletimes.com/Mariners.