George Kirby Strikes Out Eight In No-Decision
George Kirby threw six innings of one-run ball but did not factor into the decision in Wednesday's 2-1 walk-off victory over the Astros. Kirby scattered six hits and did not walk a batter while striking out eight. It was a much-needed strong outing after allowing five earned runs in each of his last two starts. The righty's record stands at 4-5 on the season with a 4.08 ERA (3.33 FIP), 1.02 WHIP, and a 21.1% K-BB%. The former first-round draft pick gets another chance to keep things heading in the right direction in a favorable matchup against the A's on Tuesday, a team that has the second-most strikeouts and third-lowest team batting average in all of baseball.
Source: ESPN
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Source: ESPN
George Kirby Has Promising First Rehab Start
George Kirby (shoulder) made his first minor-league rehab start on Sunday for Triple-A Tacoma and allowed just one earned run on a solo homer while walking none and striking out four in three innings of work. It was the first time that Kirby had taken the mound since Feb. 26 in spring training due to a right-shoulder injury. The 27-year-old was able to throw 33 of his 42 pitches for strikes while topping out at 97.8 mph. Barring a setback with his shoulder injury, the Mariners are expecting Kirby to need only two or three rehab starts before he comes off the 15-day injured list for his 2025 season debut. The former 20th overall pick in 2019 out of Elon University was a first-time All-Star in 2023 and hasn't posted an ERA over 3.53 in any of his three MLB seasons. Kirby has impeccable control but a below-average 23.3% strikeout rate. Still, he needs to be rostered in all fantasy leagues.
Source: Milb.com
Seattle Mariners right-hander Source: Milb.com
Mariners "Hopeful" They'll Have George Kirby In Late May
George Kirby (shoulder) back with the team by the end of May. Dipoto said the plan for Kirby is to make "at least two, maybe three" minor-league rehab starts. Kirby could start his rehab assignment as early as this weekend if he's feeling good, so his 2025 season debut is on the horizon. The 27-year-old was forced to start the regular season on the injured list due to inflammation in his right shoulder that initially cropped up in spring training in March. Although fantasy managers would like to see more with Kirby's strikeout rate, his impeccable control alone makes his rosterable in all leagues when he's healthy. He was a first-time All-Star in 2023 in his second MLB season and went 14-11 with a 3.53 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 179:23 K:BB in 191 innings (33 starts) a year ago.
Source: Seattle Sports - Shannon Drayer
Seattle Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said that the team is "hopeful" they'll see right-hander Source: Seattle Sports - Shannon Drayer
George Kirby "Feeling Great," Could Throw Again On Sunday
George Kirby (shoulder) felt great after completing his bullpen session on Monday and is expected to throw again on Sunday. After the session, Kirby noted that he "felt great" and described his session as "nasty." Fantasy managers should monitor his status over the week, as Kirby could be cleared to embark on a rehab assignment this weekend. The 27-year-old has been sidelined since the start of the campaign due to right shoulder inflammation. While the right-hander will need to increase his workload significantly before being in contention to return to the majors, this was a great step in the right direction. Fantasy managers should continue to stash Kirby in all standard formats as he will carry solid SP2 value in all formats when he returns. Last summer, Kirby held a 3.53 ERA with a stellar 1.07 WHIP across 191 innings of work.
Source: Daniel Kramer
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Source: Daniel Kramer
George Kirby Set To Throw Live Batting Practice On Monday
George Kirby (shoulder) is slated to throw live batting practice on Monday. This will be the first time he faces live hitters since being shut down with this shoulder injury in March. The 27-year-old was diagnosed with right shoulder inflammation. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status after his session, as this is an important step in his recovery process. If he continues to perform well, he could eventually be cleared to embark on a rehab assignment in the coming weeks. Last season, the right-hander held a strong 3.53 ERA with an impressive 1.07 WHIP across 191 innings of work. While he only tallied 179 punchouts, his elite control gave him significant value in all formats. When he does return, he will carry a solid SP2 value as he should improve your WHIP ratio.
Source: Daniel Kramer
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Source: Daniel Kramer
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