Glowing reviews of George Kirby's progress will make Mariners fans desperate for his return

Seattle Mariners fans finally have reason to breathe a little easier. Amid the most recent wave of injuries and inconsistent performances from a normally rock-solid starting rotation, the team received encouraging news this week regarding right-hander George Kirby.

Sidelined since spring training with right shoulder inflammation, Kirby is taking meaningful strides toward his return — and his timing couldn’t be any better. On Monday, Kirby took the mound at T-Mobile Park for a live batting practice session, and the results were overwhelmingly positive.

As relayed by Daniel Kramer of MLB.com, Kirby himself described the outing as “nasty” and said he “felt great” facing two hitters from High-A Everett. According to Kramer, the next step could be a rehab assignment as early as Sunday, pending final evaluation.

George Kirby’s return could stabilize turbulent Mariners rotation

The Mariners are in desperate need of reinforcements. Logan Gilbert remains on the 15-day injured list, and while Bryan Woo has been the model of consistency so far, the rest of the rotation has experienced a rocky start.

Luis Castillo has had his ups and downs at the start of the 2025 campaign. Emerson Hancock — after a disastrous season debut in which he allowed six runs while recording just two outs — has shown improvement with back-to-back quality starts, but is still working to establish consistency. The return of a healthy Kirby will serve as a much-needed anchor to the Mariners rotation.

Over his three big league seasons, Kirby has compiled a 3.43 ERA with a 35-26 record — numbers that only scratch the surface of his impact. His elite command and ability to minimize walks make him one of the most efficient starters in baseball. He’s been a consistent presence in Cy Young Award conversations and serves as a foundational piece of what many have called the most talented rotation in the majors.

Yet, through the first month of the 2025 season, that elite pitching depth has been tested. With two core starters sidelined and the bullpen already bearing a heavy load, Seattle needs someone to restore order to the chaos. Kirby can be that stabilizing force.

If Kirby’s rehab assignment goes off without a hitch, his return to the big league club could arrive before mid-May — and not a moment too soon. As the Mariners fight to stay atop the AL West, having their ace right-hander back in the fold could be the spark this team needs to reclaim its identity. In a season that has already demanded resilience, the return of Kirby offers hope for the future.