Seattle Mariners Notebook: Latest on George Kirby’s status

Seattle Mariners pitcher George Kirby is getting closer to throwing again.

Mariners’ Matt Brash takes big step toward return from UCL tear

The right-hander has been shut down from throwing since he was slow to bounce back from a Feb. 26 start. A MRI revealed inflammation in his right shoulder, but there were “no structural concerns whatsoever,” according to GM Justin Hollander. Rest and anti-inflammatories were prescribed, with a path to return to be set once they were able to get the inflammation out.

Thursday afternoon it was revealed Kirby had recently received a biologics injection, a shot that should promote healing in Kirby’s right shoulder.

“It is as to be expected,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson said of Kirby’s progression. “A couple of days after the injection let it cool down and they are in a process of putting a game plan together.”

The hope is Kirby, who initially (and unsurprisingly) wanted to pitch through this, will be able to return to strengthening activities within 3-4 days.

“This is obviously a difficult time for a competitor like George,” Wilson said. “Any time you have to sit and wait, it becomes difficult. We all want to get George out there as quickly as possible and we will be able to do that once we get a plan in place.”

Notes

• The Mariners’ Cactus League game Thursday night against the Diamondbacks in Peoria, Ariz., was canceled due to torrential rain throughout the afternoon and early evening. Players were limited to cage and covered bullpen work earlier in the day.

• Friday will be a busy day for almost all with a Cactus League game against the Guardians at 1 p.m. in Goodyear that will be followed by the Spring Breakout game – Mariners top prospects against Guardians top prospects – on the same field at 5:05 p.m. We will be broadcasting the Spring Breakout game on Seattle Sports with guest appearances by players and front office members throughout the broadcast.

• Logan Gilbert is scheduled to start the first game Friday against the Guardians with Gregory Santos, Will Klein and Carlos Vargas to follow.

More on the Seattle Mariners

• Mariners Notebook: Big Unit make rare visit, plus some updates
• Longtime M’s broadcaster Rick Rizzs OK after foul ball to head
• Drayer: The reasons top M’s prospect Colt Emerson is a spring standout
• ESPN insider Jeff Passan’s three takeaways from Mariners camp
• Morosi believes Seattle Mariners could have one of MLB’s best outfield

Related

Two Mariners manager candidates set for in-person interviewsDrayer: Taking stock of the Mariners’ manager searchThe dates to know during the MLB offseasonDrayer: Why Joe Espada is fun, interesting candidate in Mariners’ manager searchDrayer: Where Mariners’ ‘wide net’ manager search could lead themDrayer: Mariners focus on accountability, making a shift for 2027