Mariners Updates: Miller, Gilbert throw; Julio back in lineup

It was nothing but good news in terms of updates from the Seattle Mariners ahead of the second game of their series in Houston.

Mariners Moves: Rookie pitcher gets the call, Hahn DFA’d

First, Julio Rodríguez is back in the lineup a day after he was a late scratch due to back stiffness.

Rodríguez was penciled into his usual center field position and No. 3 spot in the batting order against Houston starter Ryan Gusto for the 5:10 p.m. Friday contest.

Game 2 in Space City 🚀 #TridentsUp pic.twitter.com/9JZBUw4O5i

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) May 23, 2025

Second, the simulated games thrown by starting pitchers Logan Gilbert and Bryce Miller went off without a hitch.

Mariners insider Shannon Drayer of Seattle Sports was at Daikin Park in Houston and filmed video of their throwing sessions, which you can watch at the top of this post. Drayer noted that while both faced live hitters, the hitters were not allowed to swing against Miller.

The 26-year-old Miller has been on the 15-day injured list since last week with inflammation in the back of his right elbow – which is better than in the front, where UCL damage would be a risk. He could return to the Mariners as early as next Tuesday, May 27.

Unlike Miller, the 28-year-old Gilbert will need a rehab assignment in the minors before he can return to the M’s as he has been out of action since late last month with a right elbow flexor strain.

That means the AL West-leading Mariners could see the returns of three-fifths of their starting rotation in a matter of weeks. George Kirby was the first to return, coming off the IL to make his season debut Thursday.

Radio coverage of Friday’s game will begin at 4 p.m. with the pregame show on Seattle Sports.

Seattle Mariners coverage

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