Seattle Mariners pitcher George Kirby throws during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays on July 7, 2024, at T-Mobile Park. John Froschauer-Imagn Images

Seattle Mariners Pitcher George Kirby Rejoins Team on Road Trip as Injury Return Looms

Originally posted on Seattle Mariners on SI
By Teren Kowatsch | Last updated May 18, 2025 10:00 AM ET

After making his third rehab start on Friday night, Seattle Mariners All-Star George Kirby could be ready to return to the rotation.

The initial expectation was that Kirby would make two or three rehab outings before being activated off the injured list. Comments made by Seattle general manager Justin Hollander left the possibility for Kirby to remain in Tacoma. He's been out with shoulder inflammation since March 7.

According to a recent report, it seems like the Mariners are adhering to the original three-start timeline. Per a post on "X" from MLB.com's Daniel Kramer, Kirby has rejoined Seattle, which is currently on the third game of a 10-game road trip.

George Kirby is expected to join the Mariners tonight here in San Diego, Dan Wilson just said … No word yet on when he’ll rejoin the rotation, or how they’ll slot out in Chicago.
— Daniel Kramer (@DKramer_) May 17, 2025

Kramer also said in his report that there's no word yet on when Kirby will rejoin the rotation or how the team will order the starting rotation against the Chicago White Sox, who will play Seattle in a three-game series beginning at 4:40 p.m. PT on Monday.

Kirby has posted a 7.20 ERA across his three rehab starts with the Triple-A Rainiers. He's struck out 13 batters in 10 innings pitched and has allowed eight earned runs on 15 hits (three home runs). His pitch count was at 64 pitches (48 strikes) in his most recent rehab start. His fastball maxed out at 97.5 mph.

George Kirby got the full PCL experience in his 3rd rehab start. Final line: 4IP, 10H, 4R, 0BB, 4K, 64-48. pic.twitter.com/KLJHWSfN5u
— Mariners Minors (@MiLBMariners) May 17, 2025

Kirby had a 3.53 ERA in 2024 with 179 strikeouts. He tossed 191 innings across 33 starts.

Kirby's return will mark the beginning of a positive turn for the Mariners' injury woes this season. The club used seven starting pitchers all of 2024 and has already used that many this year. Jhonathan Diaz presumably will get a start next week, which would make eight. And Kirby would make nine when he returns.

This article first appeared on Seattle Mariners on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: