George Kirby’s Shoulder Issue Presents Challenge for Mariners

PEORIA, Ariz. — The Seattle Mariners announced Wednesday that right-handed pitcher George Kirby has been scratched from a scheduled start and will be sidelined temporarily due to shoulder inflammation. This decision comes as the Mariners seek to avoid injury issues impacting their pitching staff, which has been one of the strongest in Major League Baseball in recent seasons.

Mariners general manager Justin Hollander confirmed the news during a press briefing at the team’s spring training camp. “He just hasn’t felt like he’s bouncing back great after outings in spring training,” Hollander said. “We did an MRI, and it looks great—no structural concerns. However, there is inflammation that we need to address.”

Hollander emphasized the importance of long-term health over immediate performance, stating, “George wants to keep going, but we need the inflammation out so we’re going to take the ball out of his hands. It’s a week-to-week concern now, and he will likely start the regular season on the injured list.”

During the 2024 MLB season, Kirby excelled, finishing with a 14-11 record, a 3.53 ERA, and leading the league in walks per nine innings at 1.08. He was recognized for his considerable talent, being named an All-Star in 2023.

Emerson Hancock, who was selected in the first round of the 2020 draft, is expected to take Kirby’s place in the starting rotation while he recovers. Hancock, who made 12 starts for the Mariners last season, has a chance to showcase his skills more prominently this year.

“We need George for the full season, including October,” Hollander noted, underlining the critical nature of Kirby’s role as the team approaches the regular season.

Kirby has demonstrated strong strike-throwing abilities, making him a unique asset on the Mariners roster. “He can throw any pitch in any location, and that’s what makes him special,” catcher Mitch Garver shared earlier about their successful partnership from the last season.

The Mariners are slated to face the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday evening in what will now feature Hancock starting. Seattle fans remain hopeful that Kirby can return swiftly, as his performance is crucial for the team’s aspirations this season.