Mariners get more good news for banged-up rotation

There is more encouraging news for the Seattle Mariners’ banged-up starting rotation on the same day one of their injured arms is set to make his season debut.

Prospects giving first-place Seattle Mariners a good problem

Injured starters Logan Gilbert and Bryce Miller are each scheduled to throw a live batting practice Friday at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Seattle Sports Mariners insider Shannon Drayer reported on social media Thursday afternoon.

Unfortunately, there was bad news shortly before Thursday’s game with center fielder Julio Rodríguez scratched from the lineup for an as yet unknown reason.

Julio Rodriguez has been scratched from tonight's game. The club will have an update after the game.

— Shannon Drayer (@shannondrayer) May 22, 2025

Check SeattleSports.com for any updates on Rodríguez.

Drayer reported that if everything goes well for Miller on Friday, the right-hander feels he should be ready to return shortly after. Miller, who went on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation, is eligible to return as soon as May 27 when the M’s open a nine-game homestand against the Washington Nationals.

Gilbert and Miller will have an up down live BP tomorrow. Miller feels if everything goes okay with him he should be back shortly after. In other words, Miller appears to be on schedule.

— Shannon Drayer (@shannondrayer) May 22, 2025

General manager Justin Hollander told Seattle Sports’ Bump and Stacy last week that Miller’s issue was on the back of his elbow, not the front where the UCL – which is what Tommy John surgery repairs – would be a concern.

Gilbert went on the IL with a right elbow flexor strain on April 26. The right-hander threw his first bullpen session last Tuesday at what he estimated was 90% effort, and touched 95 mph with his fastball.

Hollander said last week he was encouraged with the way Gilbert was progressing. The team has yet to announce how long of a rehab assignment Gilbert will need before making his return.

The update on Miller and Gilbert come as George Kirby takes the mound Thursday for the first time this season against the division rival Houston Astros.

Kirby was shut down after pitching one inning in his first spring training start with shoulder inflammation in his pitching arm. The right-hander made three rehab appearances with Triple-A Tacoma, posting a 7.20 ERA and 1.70 WHIP with 13 strikeouts over 10 innings pitched.

The Mariners open a four-game series against the Astros on Thursday with first pitch scheduled for 5:10 p.m. Radio coverage can be heard on 710 AM Seattle Sports or the Seattle Sports app starting with the pregame show at 4 p.m.

More on the Seattle Mariners

• State of the AL West: Who is first-place Mariners’ competition?
• Salk: Seattle Mariners’ new identity is resilient and relentless
• Mariners activate George Kirby from IL, option reliever to minors
• M’s now can show Astros – and the baseball world – they’re for real
• Mariners off to MLB-best road start with sharp pitching, timely hitting

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