Logan Gilbert shines during strong third rehab start

Logan Gilbert appears to be ready for his return to the Seattle Mariners’ starting rotation.

Gilbert pitched five shutout innings for Triple-A Tacoma Wednesday night against the Sacramento River Cats in his third and potentially final rehab start since going on the injured list with flexor strain in his right elbow in late April. The right-hander struck out six batters and allowed only one hit and one walk.

A Ryan O’Hearn trade for Seattle Mariners ‘should not break the bank’

Gilbert was up to 72 pitches (43 strikes) after tossing 60 in his previous rehab outing. His first pitch of the night clocked in at 97.4 mph – faster than any of his pitches from his prior rehab starts – and he topped out at 97.6 mph on his four-seam fastball in the first inning. He also touched 90 mph on his slider.

The velocity on Gilbert’s fastball steadily declined as the night went on, though. After regularly sitting from 96-97 mph through the first two innings, he was between 94-96 mph before clocking it at 93 mph on his final fastball in the fifth. In his previous start, Gilbert saw his fastball dip to 93.7 mph in the fourth inning.

All in all, it was the best start for Seattle’s ace during his rehab stint. He gave up one run over 1 2/3 innings in his first start, and two runs over three innings in his second.

Mariners manager Dan Wilson last Friday said that Gilbert would need at least one more rehab start before returning to the rotation.

“He’ll make another rehab start, and from there we’ll continue to reassess,” Wilson said. “… Just making sure he’s at a good spot and a good pitch count and ready to roll. I think (it’s) wanting to be in a position where we’re comfortable with where he’s going.”

If Gilbert does make his return to the majors for his next start, he’ll be rejoining a rotation that received another tough blow Tuesday with right-hander Bryce Miller going back on the IL with right elbow inflammation. Miller made just two starts after returning from the IL with the same issue.

Wilson last Thursday said the club will stick with a five-man rotation when Gilbert returns, although it was prior to Miller going back on the IL. That leaves Seattle with a decision to send rookie Logan Evans or Emerson Hancock back to Tacoma.

Evans was recalled to make the start in Arizona on Tuesday night when Miller went on the IL. Evans was 3-1 with a 2.83 ERA over 35 innings in six starts with the M’s entering Tuesday.

Hancock allowed two runs over five innings in a no-decision during Monday’s 8-4 loss to Arizona. The right-hander is 2-2 with a 5.04 ERA over 55 1/3 innings in 11 starts.

More on the Seattle Mariners

• What ESPN’s Passan says has ‘hindered’ Seattle Mariners’ offense
• Hyphen: Why Mariners’ George Kirby suddenly looked dominant
• Seattle Mariners place Bryce Miller on IL, recall Logan Evans
• Canzone’s HR in return against former team caps wild rally
• What Rowland-Smith likes about Mariners’ promotion of Canzone

Related

Dodgers’ loss ensures a small-spender World Series matchupWhy holding onto starting pitchers could be Mariners’ best optionEx-Mariners OF Jake Bauers wins NLCS MVP as Brewers sweep DodgersThe dates to know during the MLB offseasonEx-Mariner was ready to retire before becoming Brewers’ playoff heroMorosi: M’s in favorable position for manager search