George Kirby struggles in season debut for Mariners against Astros
- George Kirby returned to the mound for the Seattle Mariners after spending time on the injured list due to shoulder inflammation.
- In his season debut, Kirby allowed six hits and five runs over 3 2/3 innings in a loss to the Houston Astros.
- Despite the tough outing, Kirby expressed optimism about his performance and readiness to contribute to the team moving forward.
In Houston, George Kirby made his much-anticipated season debut with the Seattle Mariners on the night of May 22, 2025, following a recovery from shoulder inflammation that had sidelined him since March 24. Kirby, a right-hander and workhorse pitcher for the team, aimed to strengthen the Mariners' rotation which has been lacking due to injuries to key players, including Logan Gilbert. The Mariners were hopeful for a strong showing from Kirby, who had previously been an All-Star and tied for the league lead in game starts last season. However, the game did not go as planned for Kirby, as he struggled on the mound against the Houston Astros. Over the course of 3 2/3 innings, he allowed six hits and five runs, contributing to a 9-2 defeat for the Mariners. Despite the disappointing result, Kirby expressed positivity about his performance and enthusiasm for returning to play. He noted the importance of being back with his teammates and believed there were lessons to learn from the outing. Mariners' manager Dan Wilson also provided insight into Kirby's return, emphasizing the good velocity he showed during the game and expressing hope for building on this performance. Wilson indicated that Kirby might have limitations regarding pitch count due to his recent injury, suggesting a cap of around 75 to 80 pitches in the game's early stages. This caution reflects the Mariners' overall strategy of carefully managing player health, particularly given recent injuries to their rotation. Kirby's season debut was pivotal, as he had only participated in one spring training game before entering a rigorous rehab process that included three starts with Triple-A Tacoma. The franchise hopes that his return will bolster their pitching lineup and enable a turnaround in their competitive efforts this season. Fans and analysts alike recognize the challenges ahead for Kirby, as he integrates back into competitive play and strives for consistency amidst the pressures of Major League Baseball.