George Kirby Impresses In Rehab Start For Seattle Mariners

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joe Rutland | Last updated May 11, 2025 4:58 PM ET

Seattle Mariners right-handed pitcher George Kirby has been working diligently to get back into shape. He's been trying to work through some right shoulder inflammation that affected him in Spring Training.

Kirby used a majority of his pitching arsenal in a second start for the Mariners' Triple-A team in Tacoma, Wash. He had five strikeouts in a Saturday's outing, and his fastball looked sharp at 97.6 mph. He also found time to use his slider, knuckle curve and splitter.

Final line for George Kirby in his 2nd rehab start:
3IP, 4H, 3R, 2BB, 5K, 54 pitches, 36 strikes. Fastball 95-97. pic.twitter.com/ZWXqQ1JUme
— Mariners Minors (@MiLBMariners) May 11, 2025

But Kirby also needs to work on giving up runs, too. He allowed three earned runs and two walks in three innings of work. Kirby threw 54 pitches, 36 of them for strikes, MLB.com reported.

Kirby made his first rehab start for Tacoma on May 4 at Las Vegas.

“It was awesome,” Mariners general manager Justin Hollander said on Friday of Kirby’s effort against Las Vegas. “Like, really good. ... It was 96-98 [mph] with the secondary pitches looking in midseason form, tons of strikes. It was really efficient, really good. So, very excited. And he felt great afterwards, which is the most encouraging thing.”

Kirby also threw three innings in that game, giving up just one hit while striking out four. In all, it looks like the 2023 MLB All-Star is on track to make his return to the Mariners at some point. Seattle could use someone with the experience Kirby has with the team in its rotation. Don't be surprised if Kirby returns in the next couple of weeks.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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