Mariners’ Pitching Success Takes a Hit
The Seattle Mariners, who led Major League Baseball in starting pitchers’ ERA last season with an impressive 3.38 mark, have faced a significant setback. On Friday, the team announced that right-hander George Kirby will likely start the 2025 season on the injured list due to shoulder inflammation. This news comes as a blow to a pitching staff that was a cornerstone of the Mariners’ success in 2024.
Kirby, known for his competitive spirit and reliability, has made only one appearance in Cactus League play this spring. On February 26, he threw 20 pitches in a single inning, allowing one run with two walks. The injury was first noticed when Kirby reported discomfort following a recent throwing session. An MRI exam confirmed the presence of inflammation, but fortunately, there was no structural damage. Despite the positive diagnosis, the inflammation requires rest, a course of action that goes against Kirby’s competitive instincts.
A Competitor’s Frustration
Mariners General Manager Justin Hollander made the announcement on Friday, explaining the decision to shut down Kirby. "Much to George’s chagrin, we are going to take the ball out of his hands," Hollander told reporters. "George wants to keep going, but he’s going to lose this argument. We need the inflammation out. So we will shut George down and work on getting the inflammation out." Kirby’s determination to return to the mound as soon as possible is understandable, but the team’s priority is his long-term health and performance.
This is not the first time Kirby has dealt with shoulder issues. During his minor league career, he faced shoulder inflammation, leading to his shutdown during the 2019 preseason camp, a period affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Kirby also spent time on the injured list due to shoulder fatigue after making eight starts for Single-A Everett. Despite these setbacks, Kirby has shown remarkable resilience and has consistently been a reliable presence on the mound.
Recovery and Timelines
Hollander expects Kirby to need approximately two weeks to recover and build back up to a starter’s workload. "I would not anticipate that he’s ready for the first 10 days, two weeks of the season, [and] that he is on IL at the start of the year,” Hollander added. The team plans to manage Kirby’s recovery carefully to ensure he is not dealing with recurring issues throughout the season. This thoughtful approach is crucial for a pitcher who has shown such promise and potential.
Depth in the Rotation
Fortunately, the Mariners have a deep and talented pitching staff that can step up in Kirby’s absence. Emerson Hancock, who posted a 4.75 ERA and 5.8 strikeouts per nine innings last season, is expected to take Kirby’s spot in the rotation. Hancock will join a formidable group of starters, including Logan Gilbert (3.23 ERA, 220 Ks), Luis Castillo (3.64 ERA, 175 Ks), Bryce Miller (2.94 ERA, 171 Ks), and Bryan Woo (2.89 ERA, 101 Ks). Last season, Kirby himself contributed significantly with a 3.53 ERA, 179 strikeouts in 191 innings, and a 14-11 record, helping the Mariners achieve the MLB lead in team ERA at 3.49, tied with the Atlanta Braves.
The Trade Rumors
The depth of the Mariners’ starting rotation has even sparked rumors of potential trades. The team’s offense, which batted .224 with a .687 OPS in 2024, could benefit from additional offensive support. Trading a surplus of starting pitchers could provide the necessary resources to bolster the lineup. However, any such decisions will need to be carefully considered, balancing the immediate need for offense with the long-term stability of the pitching staff.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season
The Mariners are set to begin the 2025 MLB season on March 27, hosting the Athletics for a four-game series. While Kirby’s absence is a setback, the team’s depth and the potential for strategic moves offer a glimmer of hope. The Mariners remain committed to their goal of contending and will rely on their talented pitching staff to navigate the challenges ahead. As the team prepares for the new season, the focus will be on maintaining their strong pitching performance and building a well-rounded roster capable of competing at the highest level.
