In a disappointing turn of events for the Seattle Mariners, starting pitcher George Kirby has been sidelined with shoulder inflammation, potentially delaying his start to the 2025 season. Kirby, who led the team in ERA last season, has been shut down after experiencing discomfort and lack of progress in his recovery.
Despite undergoing an MRI that showed no structural damage, Kirby will need to rest to address the inflammation. Mariners general manager Justin Hollander made the announcement, emphasizing the importance of getting Kirby back to full health before returning to the mound.
This setback is not unfamiliar to Kirby, who previously dealt with shoulder inflammation during his minor league career. The Mariners are hopeful that he will only miss approximately two weeks as he recovers and gradually works his way back to his pitching workload.
Replacing Kirby in the rotation will be Emerson Hancock, who is expected to join a solid pitching staff that includes Logan Gilbert, Luis Castillo, Bryce Miller, and Bryan Woo. Despite this setback, the Mariners remain optimistic about their pitching depth and are considering potential trades to bolster their offense.
The team is gearing up for the start of the 2025 MLB season on March 27, where they will face off against the Athletics in a four-game series at home.