Even when the Seattle Mariners revealed on March 7 a key star would be temporarily sidelined due to inflammation in his throwing shoulder, the situation wasn’t entirely bleak.
A thorough MRI scan provided reassurance by confirming that there was no structural damage to the 2023 All-Star’s right shoulder. This meant that his absence was expected to be relatively short-lived. The latest update on Kirby’s status continues this positive trend, as he has now set a tentative return timeline.
“I’m hoping to get back up there by the middle of April,” George Kirby stated, per Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times.
When Can Mariners Fans Expect George Kirby’s Return?
While this is encouraging news, there’s still an important hurdle left: Kirby has yet to resume throwing. That will be the next significant step in his rehab process. So far, he has already taken two key measures—receiving a biologics injection and getting the go-ahead to begin arm-strengthening exercises.
The last time Kirby pitched in a live game was on February 26, when he made his Cactus League debut against the Oakland Athletics. Once he’s cleared to throw, he’ll remain in Peoria, continuing his rehab at the Mariners’ training complex and likely working his way back through extended spring training games.
If he sticks to his goal of returning by mid-April, it will be a much-needed boost for a Mariners team that could use his presence sooner rather than later.
A Critical Stretch for the Mariners
Seattle begins the season with a home-heavy schedule, playing 13 of their first 16 games at T-Mobile Park. However, from April 15 to May 7, the team faces a grueling stretch, playing 15 of 20 games on the road. That’s a concern given last season’s stark home-road contrast—the Mariners thrived at home (49-32) but struggled away (36-45).
For now, Emerson Hancock will step in for Kirby. Hancock, a right-hander, has experimented with adjustments this spring, but his 5.59 ERA raises some concerns, as it mirrors the 4.71 ERA he’s posted across 15 career starts in the majors.
Since making his debut in 2022, Kirby has solidified himself as one of the most efficient pitchers in the American League. Over 89 starts, he’s compiled a 3.43 ERA while maintaining a 7.6 strikeout-to-walk ratio, making him one of the best in the league at limiting free passes.
Injury Updates: Mitch Haniger & Troy Taylor
In addition to Kirby’s recovery, Divish’s report also provided updates on two other key Mariners players.
Mitch Haniger has been sidelined since March 8 due to left shoulder soreness and has yet to return to Cactus League action. The 34-year-old designated hitter was seen in uniform during pregame drills before Seattle’s exhibition game against Milwaukee on Tuesday. However, he has not been cleared for game action, and Divish notes that he is likely to begin the season on the injured list (IL).
Meanwhile, reliever Troy Taylor is also working his way back from injury. The 23-year-old right-hander, who suffered a lat strain in the offseason, was scheduled for live batting practice on Wednesday. While he is expected to start the season on the IL, there is optimism that he could return sometime in April.
Taylor, who fanned 25 batters in 19.1 innings last season, would add much-needed depth to the Mariners’ bullpen upon his return. The Seattle relief corps could certainly use reinforcements, and the anticipated return of Matt Brash in April should help bolster their options as well.
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