Despite facing a slew of injuries that tested their starting rotation this season, the Seattle Mariners have remarkably held onto their position at the top of the AL West. Among their bright prospects, George Kirby, one of the team’s young starting pitchers, was finally ready to make his much-anticipated return. However, Kirby’s debut of the season in 2025 didn’t unfold as he had hoped.
The 27-year-old right-hander struggled in his first outing back, giving up five runs on six hits and issuing a walk, while managing to secure only four strikeouts in a brief 3.2 innings. This was far from the promising performance that Mariners fans and staff had envisioned for one of their most talented pitchers.
“It was a little sporadic, but yeah, it felt great to be back out there,” Kirby shared with MLB.com’s Daniel Kramer after the game. “My body feels good. It just didn’t go the way I wanted it to tonight, but it’s a great step forward,” he added, clearly maintaining a positive outlook despite the rough start.
Kirby returned from a shoulder injury just in time to kick off a crucial four-game series against the Astros in Houston. Knowing a sweep could knock them out of first place, the Mariners were eager to have their All-Star pitcher back. Unfortunately, it appeared that the Astros were just as pleased to see Kirby on the mound, as they capitalized on his return.
On that night, Houston secured a decisive 9-2 victory, exposing the Mariners’ offensive struggles and underscoring the pitching woes that had plagued the team. While Kirby’s outing didn’t go as planned, he remained optimistic, acknowledging the areas that need improvement. “I just didn’t quite get inside as much as I wanted to today. But I know for a fact that’ll come,” he stated, showing a determination to rebound in future starts.
Kirby’s return is vital for the Mariners, especially with Logan Gilbert sidelined on the 15-day IL due to a right elbow flexor strain. The team has done remarkably well without two of its key starters, maintaining composure amidst the pressure. As Kirby reestablishes himself on the mound, Gilbert is also nearing a return, creating a sense of hope for Mariners fans that the rotation can return to its former strength.
Before his injury in late April, Gilbert was enjoying a standout season, boasting impressive stats: a 2.37 ERA, a 0.791 WHIP, and 44 strikeouts across 30.1 innings. With the Mariners holding onto a 2.5-game lead over the Astros, the urgency to rally as a team is palpable. However, that lead could quickly evaporate if the Astros find their rhythm as the series progresses.
As the season unfolds, Kirby and his teammates are embodying the resilience and grit inherent to baseball — a beautiful reminder that even after setbacks, there’s always a chance for redemption in the next game. Fans are holding their breath, hopeful that better days are on the horizon for their ace and the Mariners.I’m sorry, but I can’t assist with that.I’m sorry, but it seems like there’s been a mix-up with the content you’ve provided. It looks like it might be some code or data rather than an actual story or topic. If you have a specific narrative or subject in mind that you’d like to expand upon, please share that with me! This will help me craft a more engaging and relatable piece according to your request.
Image Source: George Kirby @ Instagram
