Seattle Mariners Could Reportedly Take Interesting Step with Starting Rotation
In this story:
The Seattle Mariners have navigated the first quarter of the season well despite several injuries to the pitching staff. Entering Tuesday, the Mariners have a 27-19 record and lead the American League West by 2.5 games, despite starting pitchers George Kirby, Logan Gilbert and Bryce Miller all being on the 15-day injured list.
Seattle is expected to get Kirby back soon from the IL, potentially this week, and the club might make a crucial decision to help preserve the health of its staff further.
George Kirby looked great in his first rehab start. Final line: 3IP, 1H, 1R, 0BB, 4K. 42 pitches, 33 strikes. pic.twitter.com/y1OZOkexYG
— Mariners Minors (@MiLBMariners) May 4, 2025
According to an article published by Adam Jude of the Seattle Times, the Mariners would like to keep Kirby on a six-day program going forward. As a result, they could consider a six-man rotation once Kirby returns, at least until Miller and Gilbert also return. Gilbert had his second full bullpen session Saturday since suffering a flexor strain and landing on the IL April 26. Miller is throwing in pregame warmups, and there's hope he'll have a minimum stay on the IL, which would place his return May 27.
Seattle manager Dan Wilson said that "anything's on the table at this point," according to Jude's article.
The Mariners have shown an open mindset to six-man rotations in the past. They were rumored to be open to a six-man rotation if they landed top international free agent Roki Sasaki this past offseason.
Logan Evans and Emerson Hancock have pitching well while filling in for Seattle, and have shown noticeable signs of growth and development as the season's progressed. A six-man rotation could also allow them to stay in the rotation, in addition to giving everyone extra rest.
Related Stories on Seattle Mariners
MARINERS RELIEVER MATT BRASH DISCUSSES EFFECTIVENESS OF NEW PITCH: The high-leverage Mariners pitcher talked about a new changeup he's introduced since returning from Tommy John surgery. CLICK HERE
PITCHING MATCHUPS FOR SERIES BETWEEN MARINERS, WHITE SOX: The Mariners will look to keep the momentum going in the second leg of their 10-game road trip against the White Sox. CLICK HERE
TAKEAWAYS FROM MARINERS SWEEP AGAINST PADRES: The Mariners quenched a lot of doubts and started the road trip out on the best note they could against the Padres. CLICK HERE
Follow Seattle Mariners on SI on social media
Continue to follow our Inside the Mariners coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and by following Teren Kowatsch and Brady Farkas on "X" @Teren_Kowatsch and @RefuseToLosePod. You can subscribe to the "Refuse to Lose" podcast by clicking HERE.
