sentences:  His struggles to adapt to the league's new rules on pitching motions during Spring training, combined with lingering concerns about his shoulder condition, caused him to miss the season opener and spend the entire first half of the season with the "nigun" team undergoing a rehab stint.He made his first appearance of the season against the Fighters on August 29, but did not record a win until September 12 in a game against the Marines, finishing the season with a 1–2 record and 3.72 ERA in just six starts.In , Iwakuma was named the starter for the season opener for the first time in two years, taking the mound on March 24 against the Lions.