in a concerning development for the Mariners, Their right-hander is facing a setback as inflammation in his throwing shoulder forces him to likely start the season on the injured list.
“We wouldn’t expect him to be ready for at least the first 10 days—if not up to two weeks—of the season,” Mariners general manager Justin Hollander stated on Friday. An MRI confirmed that while there is no structural damage to Kirby’s shoulder, the inflammation remains significant enough to warrant a cautious approach. Despite consistently hitting his expected velocity during outings, Kirby admitted he wasn’t bouncing back as well as he’d hoped, prompting further medical evaluation.
The Mariners have decided to shut Kirby down temporarily in order to allow his shoulder inflammation to subside, with plans to re-assess his condition in about a week. This decision comes as a proactive measure to ensure long-term health and durability throughout the demanding season ahead. Kirby, 27, was a workhorse last year—tying for the major league lead with 33 starts. He posted a 14-11 record with a 3.53 ERA, recording 179 strikeouts against just 23 walks in 181 innings pitched. Notably, Kirby earned a spot on the AL All-Star team in 2023, when he made 31 starts and compiled an impressive 13-10 record.
This cautious strategy, as outlined by Hollander, reflects the Mariners’ commitment to maintaining their ace’s health for the long haul rather than rushing him back prematurely for Opening Day.
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