How Logan Gilbert fared in first rehab start

Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Logan Gilbert took a big step Thursday night as he works his way back from the injured list.

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Gilbert, who was placed on the IL in late April with a flexor strain in his pitching arm, made his first rehab start in the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers’ game against the Salt Lake City Bees, but it didn’t go as well as the right-hander might have hoped for.

Gilbert was expected to pitch three innings but needed 45 pitches to get through just 1 2/3 innings in Tacoma. He struck out three batters and surrendered one run on two hits and two walks. Gilbert’s early exit came after the Bees forced him to throw 28 pitches in the first inning. Just 24 of his 45 pitches were strikes.

The raw numbers weren’t great, but the 28 year old’s velocity was in line with where it was before he went on the IL. Gilbert regularly sat at 95-96 mph with his fastball, topping out 96.8 mph in the first inning. His fastball averaged 95.5 mph before going on the IL.

The Mariners have not set an exact number of appearances Gilbert will need before returning to the majors. However, general manager Justin Hollander said Tuesday that it would be more than just Thursday’s start.

“Sort of how much volume he needs to build in the minor leagues will be to be determined based on how he feels and … how it goes,” Hollander said.

This is the first time Gilbert has missed time since making his MLB debut in May 2021. It’s also just the second time he’s pitched at the Triple-A level. Gilbert started the 2021 season in Tacoma but was promoted after his only start.

When Gilbert returns the majors, the Mariners’ rotation could be at full strength for the first time this season. George Kirby, who was shut down with right shoulder inflammation during spring training, made his season debut May 22. Bryce Miller, who went on the IL earlier this month with right elbow inflammation, is set to return Saturday against Minnesota.

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