The Orioles are interested in another Japanese pitcher, RHP Hisashi Iwakuma, according to MLB Trade Rumors. The Mariners are also known to have interest in Iwakuma. The Athletics presumably would have interest as well, since they originally won the posting for Iwakuma in 2010.
Iwakuma, 30, pitched for the Rakuten Golden Eagles in 2011. He posted a 6-7 record in 119 innings pitched, with a 2.24 ERA, 6.8 K/9, and 1.4 BB/9. He also battled shoulder injuries, which is why he was limited to only 119 innings.
The extent of the Orioles interest is not known, but Iwakuma would join a club with plenty of rotation competition if he indeed signed with them.
