A dark cloud has descended over the Seattle Mariners’ spring training camp, and it’s not just the typical Washington rain. George Kirby, the young pitching star, supposed to be a key piece of their 2025 puzzle, is sidelined with a shoulder injury. That setback has raised eyebrows and concerns throughout the Mariners’ camp.

Seattle fell short of the playoffs last season with an 85-77 record! So, they sought to improve their strong pitching from 2024. It was the only MLB team with four different pitchers making 30 or more starts. But their offense was poor, second-worst in batting average and the league in strikeouts. Having signed Kirby to help improve their rotation, the Mariners knew they needed an innings eater who could give them stability.

But fate had another plan. Kirby’s right shoulder inflammation came as a blow to the club just weeks before Opening Day. Even though the MRI showed no structural damage, as per GM Justin Hollander, the team is exercising caution, shutting him down from throwing and placing him on the injury list. This absence is expected to last at least two weeks, putting the Mariners’ carefully constructed rotation in a lurch.

David Samson, on his show, Nothing Personal with David Samson, highlighted the potential impact of Kirby’s injury, stating, “The Mariners rotation – can it even repeat what it did last year? Definitely, it cannot because Kirby’s already on the IL.” This sentiment underscores the importance of Kirby’s presence in the Mariners’ pitching staff.

Hollander also confirmed, “George Kirby has not been feeling great after his outings…He just hasn’t felt like he’s bouncing back.”

Despite Kirby’s wish to continue pitching, the club seems to be focused on his long-term health with a cautious route so that Kirby is fully healthy when the season commences.

Kirby’s injury: Impact on the Mariners’ rotation

How was Kirby’s journey in MLB so far? A 2019 first-round draft pick, Kirby first reached the majors in 2022. He has impressed with both command and his ability to generate quality starts. He had a 3.53 ERA and 179 strikeouts in 191 innings in 33 starts in 2024.

So calling Kirby’s absence a blow to the Mariners’ ability to start games is not an exaggeration.

Now, finding a way to fill that void is the focus for the team.

The Mariners were the only MLB team with four pitchers – Luis Castillo, Logan Gilbert, Bryan Woo, and Kirby. This consistency and stability were critical to their success, but the injury to Kirby has added pressure on the remaining starters.

But the Mariners have some backup!

They will probably plug Emerson Hancock. The No. 6 overall pick of the 2020 draft has taken his place in the rotation. Hancock debuted in 2022 and had his memorable moments, but he doesn’t have Kirby’s pedigree and is still wild and irregular.

The Mariners also have Chris Flexen and Easton McGee. But neither pitcher has the upside of Kirby, and it’s a wait-and-see proposition if they could adequately replace him.

Some other promising signs for the Mariners in spring training were outfielders Randy Arozarena and Victor Robles. They shot a lighthearted promotional video for a new Arozarena-oriented giveaway. Well, despite everything, the camp seems to be at peace!

But that doesn’t mean it’s all glittery! The Mariners are awaiting X-ray results of backup catcher Mitch Garver, who was hit by a pitch that struck his hand or wrist during a spring training game. Yeah! Another level of uncertainty in the team’s preparations.

Do you think the Mariners can weather this storm and overcome the loss of their rising star?