Seattle Mariners general manager Justin Hollander announced that starting pitcher George Kirby will likely start the 2025 Major League Baseball season on the injured list due to an inflamed shoulder.
While Kirby expressed his willingness to continue pitching, Hollander would rather have one of his top pitchers healthy for the long run. Hollander also revealed that Kirby could miss up to two weeks before the Mariners increase his workload.
Kirby underwent an MRI after feeling some discomfort during his Friday throwing session. While there’s no structural damage to his shoulder, he must rest to reduce the swelling. Therefore, he will only have one appearance during the Cactus League, allowing one run and two walks in 20 pitches during one inning.
It’s not the first time Kirby has dealt with an inflamed shoulder. He was also shut down during the 2020 preseason camp after pitching in eight games for the Mariners’ Single-A affiliate.
George Kirby finished the 2024 MLB season with a 3.53 ERA and 179 strikeouts in 191 innings. In addition to his 14-11 record, he helped the Mariners pitching staff finish with an MLB-best 3.49 team ERA.
-Lance Fernandez