Seattle Mariners right-hander George Kirby (shoulder), who has been away from the team for almost a full month due to right-shoulder inflammation that caused him to be shut down in early March, is scheduled to face hitters for the first time in a live batting practice at T-Mobile Park this week, a source told MLB.com's Daniel Kramer. The 27-year-old has thrown multiple bullpen sessions at the team's spring training facility in Arizona but is now ready to face live hitters. When Kirby began throwing on March 21, he was hopeful for a late-April return, but now it's looking like he won't make his 2025 season debut until May or June. Until then, the M's expect to continue using right-hander Emerson Hancock in their starting rotation. Fantasy managers need to continue being patient with Kirby and keep him stashed in an injured-list spot in all formats.
Seattle Mariners right-hander George Kirby (shoulder) "felt great" during a bullpen session over the weekend, according to general manager Justin Hollander. Kirby will throw two more bullpens this week and then start a more traditional game progression. The Mariners don't have an official timeline for Kirby to make his 2025 season debut, but it sounds like May is more likely at this point. The 27-year-old started the year on the injured list after being diagnosed with inflammation in his right shoulder back in early March in spring training. It caused most fantasy managers to pass on the former first-rounder in drafts, but he's been making good progress and might only have to miss the first month of the season. Kirby is an elite control artist and will be valuable in all fantasy leagues once he's healthy, but he's also sported a below-average strikeout rate in his three big-league seasons.
The Seattle Times' Ryan Divish reports that Seattle Mariners right-hander George Kirby (shoulder) played catch in camp on Friday. Kirby was diagnosed with right-shoulder inflammation on March 7, and this is the first time he's thrown a ball since then. It's progress, but the 27-year-old will still open the 2025 regular season on the injured list. However, barring a setback now that he's throwing again, he may not miss much time and could make his season debut by mid-April. While Kirby should still be rostered in all fantasy leagues despite the fact he won't be ready for the start of the season, the injury certainly makes him a little less attractive in fantasy drafts this weekend for a pitcher that has had a below-average strikeout rate in his three major-league seasons. Stash him as a No. 3/4 fantasy starter to begin the year.
George Kirby Progressing From Shoulder Inflammation
Per Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times, Seattle Mariners' starting pitcher, George Kirby (shoulder), hopes to resume throwing in a few days. Kirby was shut down by the team earlier this month after experiencing shoulder inflammation that stemmed from his second spring training outing. While he has yet to begin playing catch, he's reportedly continued his lower body and core conditioning while resuming arm-strengthening exercises. It's a critical step for the 27-year-old as he attempts to work his way back to the mound. "I'm hoping to get back up there by the middle of April," said the former first-round pick. Kirby was superb in 2024, authoring one of the lowest walk rates in the league (3.0%). Fortunately, it appears he won't miss too much time. The righty is still going off the boards inside the top 100 of fantasy drafts and, more often, inside the top 75.
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher George Kirby (shoulder) received a biologics injection in his right shoulder on Thursday afternoon. The team hopes this injection will help Kirby return to strengthening activities in three to four days. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status. Even though he is expected to open the season on the injured list, he may not face an extended absence. Last summer, the 27-year-old logged a career-high 191 innings and held a 3.53 ERA with a 1.07 WHIP. He tallied 179 punchouts and posted a stellar 3.0 percent walk rate. He generated an above-average 3.44 xERA which suggests he could see some positive regression during the 2025 season. While he is sidelined during the start of the campaign, Emerson Hancock will likely join the starting rotation.
George Kirby To Start Season On Injured List With Shoulder Injury
Seattle Mariners right-hander George Kirby (shoulder) has been dealing with right-shoulder inflammation and underwent an MRI exam that showed no structural damage, according to The Seattle Times' Ryan Divish. Kirby has been shut down from throwing in camp despite his wishes and will start the 2025 regular season on the injured list. This is very worrisome for a starting pitcher that RotoBaller had ranked at No. 10 at his position, although if any team is equipped to handle the loss of a high-end starter, it would be Seattle. The good news is there's no structural damage in the 27-year-old's arm, but that doesn't mean that his shoulder won't become an issue later on this year once he comes off the IL. Kirby has had a below-average strikeout rate but has made up for it with impeccable command. His injury should open up a rotation spot for right-hander Emerson Hancock early on.
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher George Kirby kept his team's playoff hopes alive with six strong innings in Wednesday's 8-1 victory over the Astros, allowing one earned run on four hits and one walk while striking out six on the way to recording his 14th win of the season. It was the 26-year-old's third straight quality start and 20th of the year out of 33 starts. The righty finishes the season 14-11 with a 3.53 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and a 20.1% K-BB% thanks in part to an elite-level 3.0% walk rate. The 26-year-old has now posted three consecutive seasons of sub-4.00 ERA (and sub-4.00 SIERA) to start his career along with excellent command, proving he's one of the brightest young arms in the game and managers should expect similar results in 2025.
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher George Kirby made easy work of the Texas Rangers lineup during Sunday's game. The right-hander allowed only one hit over seven shutout innings during Sunday's victory. He struck out three batters along the way and only gave up a single to Ezequiel Duran. Kirby has been excellent against the Rangers throughout his career and is having a strong overall season in general. He'll take a 3.62 ERA into his next start and is a must-start option the way he has been pitching.
George Kirby Fans Nine, Picks Up 11th Win On Wednesday
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher George Kirby picked up his 11th win of the season in Wednesday's 16-3 victory over the Athletics, tossing six innings, allowing two earned runs on six hits, walking none and striking out nine en route to his 17th quality start of the year. It was a nice way to start September after a dreadful month of August in which he posted a 6.84 ERA with a 1.72 WHIP and a 7.92 K/9 in five starts. Still, the 26-year-old is having a fine season overall, posting a 3.61 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and a 20.5% K-BB% thanks to a minuscule 3.0% walk rate. The former first-round draft pick will take on the Padres in his next start at home next Tuesday.
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher George Kirby (8-9) had the worst start of his career on Tuesday as he and his team got blown out 15-1 by the Detroit Tigers. The 26-year-old gave up 11 runs (six earned) on 12 hits (three homers) while walking one and striking out five over 3 2/3 innings. This horrendous outing came as a surprise, as Kirby has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this season (and the two seasons before this). In 25 starts (144 2/3 IP), Kirby has a 3.42 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and an 8.89 K/9. He will look to bounce back his next time out, which will come Sunday vs Pittsburgh.
George Kirby
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Mariners
