George Kirby Injury News & Updates

Kirby (13-10) allowed three hits and struck out seven without walking a batter over six shutout innings to earn the win Sunday versus the Rangers.

While the Mariners came up short in pursuit of a playoff spot, Kirby still took the hill and turned in a gem for his final start of the year. He won his last three starts of the campaign, allowing just three runs over 19 innings in that span. The 25-year-old right-hander ends 2023 with a strong 3.35 ERA as well as a 1.04 WHIP and 165:19 K:BB over 190.2 innings across 31 starts. His 0.9 BB/9 was by far the best among qualified starters this season -- Tampa Bay's Zach Eflin was next closest with a 1.2 BB/9.

Kirby (12-10) allowed five hits and a walk while striking out four over six scoreless innings to earn the win Tuesday over the Astros.

Kirby found a great time to turn dominant. This was his first scoreless outing since Aug. 12, and he'd given up at least three runs in each of his last six starts. The right-hander lowered his ERA to 3.46 with a 1.06 WHIP and 165:19 K:BB through 184.2 innings over 30 starts this season. The victory snapped a four-game losing streak for the Mariners, who remain in contention for a playoff spot and the AL West title. Kirby is projected for a start this weekend versus the Rangers, one he'll almost certainly make if the Mariners aren't eliminated before his turn comes up again.

Kirby (11-10) picked up the win Wednesday, giving up three runs on eight hits over seven innings in a 6-3 victory over the A's. He struck out three without walking a batter.

The right-hander did serve up a solo shot to Zack Gelof in the fourth inning and a two-run homer to Brent Rooker in the sixth, but otherwise Kirby allowed nothing but singles as he delivered his first quality start since he shut out the O's back on Aug. 12, and collected his first win since Aug. 5. With the Mariners in a dogfight for the AL West title, and not guaranteed a wild-card spot if they fall short, the team needs Kirby to continue this return to form to close out the season -- if he stays on turn, his final two regular-season starts would both come at home against the Astros and Rangers next week.

Kirby (10-10) allowed four runs on five hits and two walks while striking out seven over six innings, taking the loss Friday versus the Dodgers.

Kirby has allowed 19 runs (18 earned) across 27 innings over his last five starts. This was also the second start in a row in which he's issued multiple walks, something he's done only four times all year. The rough patch has him up to a 3.57 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 158:18 K:BB through 171.2 innings over 28 starts overall. Kirby is projected for a favorable road start in Oakland next week.

Kirby did not factor into the decision during Friday's loss, allowing four runs on five hits and two walks over 6.1 innings against Tampa Bay. He struck out six.

Kirby's two walks allowed matched his season high as the control artist now has only 16 total walks on the season. Since throwing nine shutout innings against the Orioles on Aug. 12, the 25-year-old has allowed at least three earned runs in four straight starts. During those outings, he has a 6.00 ERA and 20 strikeouts over 21 innings. Kirby looks to rebound in his next start, scheduled to be at home against the Angels.

Kirby (10-9) took the loss Sunday, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits over three innings against the Mets. He struck out three.

Kirby struggled to get through the Mets lineup, throwing 73 pitches across three frames before being pulled. The outing marked Kirby's shortest start of the season. The 25-year-old is in the midst of a rough patch, having allowed 11 runs across his last three appearances (14.2 innings) while being tagged for a home run in each outing. He'll look to get back on track in his next start, which is tentatively scheduled to come Friday at Tampa Bay.

Mariners manager Scott Servais said Wednesday that Kirby (illness) will slot back into the rotation during this weekend's series with the Mets, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

After falling ill, Kirby was scratched ahead of his scheduled start Tuesday, prompting the Mariners to turn to Luke Weaver as their lead pitcher in their eventual 3-1 loss to Oakland. The Mariners won't skip over Kirby's turn in the rotation entirely, as he'll be back on the bump in New York, assuming he's able to move past the illness heading into the weekend. Servais hasn't specified yet which of the three games versus the Mets that Kirby will start.

Kirby was scratched from his scheduled start Tuesday against Oakland due to an illness, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Luke Weaver will fill in as Seattle's starting pitcher Tuesday, and it is unclear whether or not Kirby will be able to make his next start -- tentatively scheduled for Monday against Cincinnati. For now, Kirby should be considered day-to-day.

Kirby did not factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing three runs on eight hits over 5.2 innings against the White Sox. He struck out nine.

Kirby's now gone four starts (27.2 innings) without issuing a walk. He held the White Sox to one run through his first five innings Wednesday, working his way through traffic thanks to his nine strikeouts. However, Trayce Thompson's two-run homer ended Kirby's outing with two outs in the sixth. The 25-year-old right-hander's allowed seven runs over his last two starts (11.2 innings), though he still sports a solid 2.89 ERA with 49:3 K:BB in his previous seven outings. Overall, Kirby's 10-8 across 25 starts (156.1 innings) this season with a 3.28 ERA and 1.03 WHIP. He's currently in line for a home matchup with the Athletics early next week.

Kirby did not factor into the decision Thursday, allowing four runs on eight hits over six innings against the Royals. He struck out two.

Kirby pitched well for most of the afternoon, allowing one run over the first five innings before Maikel Garcia reached on a fielding error to open the bottom of the sixth. The right-hander would then allow four consecutive hits and a sac fly, leading to three more runs coming across for Kansas City. Kirby had allowed one or fewer runs in each of his previous three starts coming in while his two strikeouts on the afternoon matched his season low. He now holds a 2.05 ERA through three August starts and has not issued a walk over that stretch.

Kirby allowed just three hits and struck out seven over nine scoreless innings in a no-decision versus the Orioles on Saturday.

Kirby brought his best against the American League's top team, but he came away with nothing despite the gem. He faced just 29 batters, erasing one of the three hits he surrendered on a double play. Kirby also threw 73 of 103 pitches for strikes, again showcasing his high-end control. The right-hander now has a 3.11 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 131:14 K:BB through 144.2 innings over 23 starts on the year. He's lined up for a favorable road start in Kansas City next week.

Kirby (10-8) allowed a run on three hits and struck out five without walking a batter over seven innings to earn the win Saturday over the Angels.

The lone blemish on Kirby's line was a Randal Grichuk solo home run in the third inning. This was a return to Kirby's impeccable control -- he'd issued eight walks over his last seven starts, an unusually high mark for the right-hander. He's logged 16 quality starts in 22 outings this season, pitching to a 3.32 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 124:14 K:BB through 135.2 innings on the year. Kirby is projected for a difficult home start versus the Orioles next weekend.

Kirby allowed a run on four hits and two walks while striking out seven over five innings in a no-decision versus the Red Sox on Monday.

Kirby was solid but inefficient, needing 97 pitches (63 strikes) to get through five frames. This was just the second time all season Kirby has allowed multiple walks in a start. He had a couple of rough starts in July, but he's still at a 3.43 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 119:14 K:BB through 128.2 innings across 21 starts this season. Kirby is lined up for a road start versus the Angels over the weekend.

Kirby did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing five runs on seven hits and one walk over four innings against Minnesota. He struck out nine.

Kirby couldn't contain Minnesota, serving up four total extra-base hits including a two-run homer to Matt Wallner in the first frame. The outing marked Kirby's first time not reaching the fifth inning since June 7 (seven starts). The 25-year-old has endured a rollercoaster stretch of starts, having allowed at least five runs in two of his last four starts, while giving up a combined one run during the other two. However, he still owns a solid 3.49 ERA to go along with a 112:12 K:BB through 123.2 innings in 2023.

Kirby (9-8) earned the win Thursday, allowing four hits over seven scoreless innings in a 5-0 win over the Twins. He struck out 10.

Kirby made easy work of the Twins on Thursday, matching a season-high with 10 strikeouts while delivering his fourth scoreless outing of the year. It was quite a bounce-back performance from the 25-year-old right-hander after he allowed six runs in his last outing, a loss to the Tigers. Kirby's ERA is now down to 3.23 with a 1.04 WHIP and a league-best 8.45 K/BB. Kirby will look to keep rolling in his next outing, currently lined up as a rematch with the Twins in Minnesota.

Kirby (8-8) allowed six runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out four over five innings, taking the loss Saturday versus the Tigers.

Kirby strung together five straight quality starts heading into the All-Star break, but he didn't fare well in his first outing of the second half. The right-hander gave up four of the runs on a pair of homers from Kerry Carpenter, making this just the second time in 18 appearances Kirby's allowed multiple long balls. He has a 3.43 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 93:11 K:BB through 112.2 innings. He's projected to make his next start at home versus the Twins.

Kirby (8-7)allowed a run on six hits and a walk while striking out three over 6.2 innings to earn the win Thursday over the Astros.

Kirby limited the damage to a Corey Julks RBI double in the seventh inning. It was a fifth straight quality start for Kirby, who has been a bit unlucky to pick up only three wins in that span while allowing just 10 runs (eight earned) over 33 innings. The All-Star right-hander trimmed his ERA to 3.09 with a 1.04 WHIP and 89:10 K:BB over 107.2 innings through 17 starts this season.

Kirby (7-7) allowed two runs on two hits and two walks while striking out seven over seven innings to earn the win Saturday over the Rays.

Kirby didn't allow a hit until the sixth inning, when he gave up a double to Yandy Diaz and a home run to Luke Raley. Aside from those minor missteps, Kirby turned in another strong outing for his fourth consecutive quality start. This was the first time he's walked multiple batters in a start this year. The right-hander has allowed nine runs (seven earned) over 26.1 innings in that span. For the season, he owns a 3.21 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 86:9 K:BB through 101 innings across 16 starts. Kirby is projected for another challenging start on the road in Houston next week.

Kirby (6-7) took the loss Sunday, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits and one walk over 6.1 innings against the Orioles. He struck out four.

For the second straight appearance, Kirby added a tally to the loss column while also finishing with a quality start. Most of the damage against Kirby came in the third frame, where Anthony Santander launched a two-run homer that plated Jorge Mateo. Despite being tied for the eighth most losses in MLB, Kirby holds a strong 3.26 ERA on the year and has given up just five earned runs over his last three starts (19.1 innings). He is tentatively scheduled to toe the rubber again during a home series versus the Rays next weekend.

Kirby (6-6) took the loss against the Yankees on Tuesday, allowing three earned runs on eight hits over seven innings. He struck out four.

Kirby had the misfortune of being opposed by a razor-sharp Gerrit Cole, who was a tad more effective than the young right-hander and ensured his opposite number didn't get sufficient run support. There was still plenty to be optimistic about from Kirby's perspective, considering he worked 67 of his 95 offerings into the strike zone and was primarily done in by just one pitch, a 96 mph sinker Brendan McKinney deposited 432 feet away in right center with Harrison Bader aboard. The outing marked Kirby's second straight quality start and third such effort in his last four trips to the mound, and he'll aim to extend his strong stretch of pitching at the expense of the Orioles in a projected Sunday start.

Kirby (6-5) got the win Tuesday over the Marlins after allowing one run (zero earned) on three hits and no walks over six innings. He struck out a career-high 10 batters.

Kirby retired the first 13 batters before Yuli Gurriel got a base hit. The 25-year-old was roughed up pretty badly his last time out, but rebounded with 20 whiffs, leading to a career-high 10 strikeouts. It was also his third straight outing without walking a batter. Kirby leads all qualified pitchers with a 0.67 BB/9 and an 11.83 K/BB, as he's displayed spectacular control throughout the season. He now owns a 3.24 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 71:6 K:BB over 80.2 innings and lines up for a meeting with the Yankees next week.

Kirby (5-5) took the loss Wednesday, allowing five runs on 11 hits over 3.2 innings against the Padres. He struck out three.

It was a rough outing for Kirby after he allowed just three hits in eight scoreless innings in his last outing against the Yankees. The 25-year-old right-hander has a 5.79 ERA over his last four starts after pitching to a 2.45 mark in his first eight outings. Overall, Kirby's ERA is up to 3.50 with a 1.11 WHIP and a still outstanding 61:6 K:BB through 74.2 innings this season. He'll look to get back on track in his next outing, currently lined up for next week against the Marlins.

Kirby tossed eight scoreless innings Wednesday in a pitcher's duel against the Yankees and did not factor into the decision. He allowed just three hits and did not walk a batter while striking out seven.

Kirby put together a spectacular performance after he was roughed up by the Pirates the last time he took the mound. The 25-year-old was touching 99MPH with his fastball and showed off his impeccable command with his entire arsenal of pitches. Wednesday was the third time this season he's reached seven strikeouts in an outing and the fifth time he's gone without walking a batter. He has just six walks through 71 innings and leads all of baseball with a 9.67 K/BB to go with a 3.04 ERA and 1.01 WHIP. Kirby lines up to go toe-to-toe with the Padres on the road next week.

Kirby (5-4) took the loss Friday versus the Pirates, allowing seven runs on nine hits and a walk while striking out four over 4.2 innings.

Kirby came into this start having allowed just three homers in his first nine outings. The Pirates then launched four long balls off of him, including Andrew McCutchen's blast on the second pitch of the game. This was Kirby's worst start of the season, and the second time he's given up four homers in a game in his 35 career games. The right-hander's ERA ballooned to 3.43 with a 1.10 WHIP and 51:6 K:BB across 63 innings. He hasn't had many disasters like this, though he is lined up for a challenging home start versus the Yankees next week as he looks to bounce back.

Kirby (5-3) took the loss Sunday, allowing three runs on six hits and one walk over seven innings during a 3-2 loss to Atlanta. He struck out six.

Kirby allowed a run in the first, third and sixth and took the loss but still completed at least seven innings for the fourth time over his past five outings. He also extended his quality-start streak to eight consecutive contests and currently holds a 2.62 ERA and 47:5 K:BB over 58.1 innings. Kirby will look to stay sharp during his next start, which is tentatively scheduled for the first contest of a three-game weekend set versus Pittsburgh.

Kirby (5-2) earned the win over Boston on Monday, allowing one run on eight hits and one walk while striking out six batters over 6.2 innings.

Kirby got through five scoreless frames before the Red Sox tagged him for a run in the sixth. He finished off that inning and got two more outs in the seventh before being lifted with two runners on base after tossing 97 pitches (66 strikes). Kirby fell one out shy of extending his three-game streak of throwing at least seven frames, but he did stretch his run of quality starts to seven consecutive contests. He's pitching like an All-Star this season with five wins along with a 2.45 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 41:4 K:BB through eight starts.

Kirby (4-2) scattered six hits and struck out nine batters over seven shutout innings to earn the win Tuesday over the Rangers.

Kirby threw 75 of 101 pitches for strikes, which included a solid 11 whiffs. The nine strikeouts were a season high for Kirby in what was his sixth straight quality start. He's gone at least seven innings in each of his last three outings. For the season, he owns a 2.62 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 35:3 K:BB over 44.2 innings through seven starts. He'll look to keep rolling in his next game, tentatively projected to be a road start in Boston next week.

Kirby (3-2) allowed three runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out two over seven innings to earn the win Thursday over the Athletics.

It was a fifth straight quality start for Kirby, who bounced back from a tough-luck loss in his last outing versus the Phillies. While it was a solid performance, the two strikeouts were a season low for the right-hander. He's at a solid 3.11 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 26:3 K:BB across 37.2 innings over six starts, again displaying excellent control. Kirby's next start is projected to be at home versus the Rangers next week.

Kirby (2-2) took a hard-luck loss Thursday, allowing one run on four hits and a walk over eight innings against Philadelphia. He struck out seven.

Kirby faced little resistance from the Phillies on Thursday, as he allowed just one run in a career-high eight innings. Unfortunately, he got no help from his offense as the Mariners fell 1-0, handing Kirby a loss despite his dominant performance. Since allowing four runs in his first start, Kirby has strung together four straight quality starts. He lowered his ERA to 2.93 with a 0.95 WHIP and a sparkling 24:2 K:BB. The 25-year-old right-hander currently lines up to face the A's in his next outing.

Kirby (2-1) earned the win Friday, allowing two runs on three hits over six innings against the Cardinals. He struck out five and did not walk a batter.

Kirby is off to a solid start in his sophomore season. The right-hander has pitched at least six innings in each of his last three appearances, and also sports a stingy 1.06 WHIP. The right-hander is tentatively slated to face the Phillies on the road in his next start.

Kirby (1-1) secured the win over Colorado on Saturday, allowing two runs on six hits and no walks while striking out three batters over 6.1 innings.

Kirby recorded a season-low three punchouts and notched a modest nine swinging strikes Saturday, but he held the Rockies to a pair of runs to enjoy his first win of the campaign. The right-hander started the season with a rough 4.1-inning effort during which he allowed four earned runs, but he's since posted consecutive quality starts during which he's allowed three earned runs over 12.1 frames. Kirby's 6.5 K/9 so far in 2023 is disappointing after he recorded a 9.2 K/9 over 130 frames as a rookie last season, but he has plenty of time to catch up. His next start is tentatively scheduled to come at home against St. Louis next week.

Kirby did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing one run on five hits over six innings in a 6-7 loss to the Mariners. He struck out four.

Kirby bounced back in his second start, allowing only one run on a Jose Ramirez sacrifice fly in the first inning. The 25-year-old worked through a tough sixth inning but escaped unharmed after striking out the last two batters in the frame. Kirby was on track for the win, but the Guardians would rally to tie the game in the ninth before completing the comeback on a walkoff hit from Josh Bell in the 12th. Kirby owns a 4.34 ERA and 9:1 K:BB over 10.1 innings pitched, and he is tentatively scheduled to return to the mound in the upcoming series with the Cardinals next week.

Kirby (0-1) took the loss Monday, allowing four runs on nine hits and one walk over 4.1 innings against the Angels. He struck out five.

Kirby pitched around trouble in the each of the first four innings, surrendering RBI singles to Luis Rengifo in the second and fourth, but he was knocked out of the game in the fifth after serving up two-run homer to Shohei Ohtani. Last year, his first season in the MLB, Kirby posted 3.39 ERA and 1.21 WHIP with 133 strikeouts over 130 innings, and he figures to be a prominent piece of Seattle's rotation in 2023. The 2019 first-round pick is scheduled to pitch again Sunday in Cleveland.

The Mariners don't plan to officially limit Kirby's innings in 2023 but will likely build him up slowly at the start of the season, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

The 25-year-old logged 130 innings in his rookie 2022 season, the most he'd worked by far in a professional career dating back to 2019. Drayer notes manager Scott Servais won't look to officially limit Kirby's innings in his second season, but the fact the right-hander will slot into the No. 5 spot in the rotation will organically afford him some off over the course of the season. "Starting in the 5-hole (fifth spot in the rotation), he is going to get some extra rest between starts, which will be good for him as we ramp up throughout the season," Servais said.

Kirby fired five no-hit innings in Wednesday's Cactus League win over the Dodgers, allowing one walk while recording nine strikeouts.

Kirby's near-perfect showing was an excellent tune-up for the regular season, with the right-hander needing just 37 pitches to get through his five frames. Kirby has now pitched 8.1 scoreless frames overall in his last two spring training starts, potentially portending a standout second season following his impressive 8-5 record, 3.39 ERA and 1.21 WHIP across his first 25 big-league starts in 2022.

Kirby, who allowed four runs (three earned) on four hits and a walk over 1.1 innings in his Cactus League debut against the Rockies on Saturday, impressed manager Scott Servais with his arm care and pitch adjustments as a rookie in 2022, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports. "For a young player to be able to make those kinds of adjustments and then to incorporate into his arsenal as quickly as he was against the best players in the world, like, that's special," Servais said.

Kirby's rocky first outing notwithstanding, Servais has nothing but praise and elevated expectations for his precocious right-hander. The 25-year-old took full advantage of the knowledge base of the older arms on the Mariners' staff once he arrived at the big-league level in May, learning an arm-care routine and also working up to throwing six different pitches. Kirby is now experimenting with a splitter this spring in order to expand his arsenal even further as he looks to build on the 8-5 record, 3.39 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 24.5 percent strikeout rate across 25 starts.

Kirby (8-5) took the loss against Detroit on Monday, allowing four runs on six hits and three walks while striking out five batters over four innings.

This looked like a promising final regular-season outing for Kirby on paper, but he allowed constant traffic on the basepaths and labored with 93 pitches over four frames. Detroit tallied three runs -- two of which came on a Javier Baez homer, the first long ball Kirby has yielded in his past 14 starts -- over his final two innings to send the rookie right-hander to his fifth loss of the campaign. Kirby nonetheless put together a fine first big-league campaign, notching eight wins and posting a 3.39 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 133:22 K:BB over 130 innings. He also tossed 26.2 innings in the minors, and the sizeable workload may have contributed to a drop in velocity in his final start, per Daniel Kramer of MLB.com. Kirby is expected to work out of the bullpen in Seattle's upcoming wild-card series, though he could retain a starting role if the Mariners advance to the ALDS.

Kirby (8-4) earned the win over Texas on Wednesday, allowing one run on five hits and one walk while striking out four batters over six innings.

Kirby got off to a rough start when he allowed two hits and a run in the first inning, but he found his footing from there and didn't allow any more Rangers to cross the plate. The rookie finished with his third quality start over his past four outings and notched his sixth win in 12 starts since the All-Star break. Over that stretch, he's posted a 2.63 ERA and 66:10 K:BB across 61.2 innings. Kirby will likely make one more regular-season start, and his strong second half should earn him a spot in Seattle's playoff rotation in the likely event that the team qualifies.

Kirby allowed five runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out one in 2.1 innings in a 9-5 win Thursday in Oakland. He did not factor into the decision.

Kirby was in trouble throughout the start as he allowed multiple baserunners in each inning he pitched. He managed to keep a run from scoring in the first two innings but allowed six of the seven batters he faced in the third to reach safely with five eventually coming around to score. It was his shortest outing of the season and just the second time in his last 13 starts that he allowed more than two runs. His next start will likely be in the middle of next week against Texas.

Kirby (7-4) took the loss during Saturday's 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Angels, allowing two runs on four hits and one walk with eight strikeouts in six innings.

Kirby permitted single runs in the first and fourth innings which turned out to be enough for the loss as Seattle only managed one run on a Taylor Trammell solo home run in the eighth. The 24-year-old faced the minimum in his other four frames while the eight strikeouts match his second highest total over his last 11 turns. Prior to Saturday's loss, Kirby had won five of his last seven starts and possesses an impressive 2.03 ERA with 50 strikeouts across 44.1 innings in his last eight turns. He carries a 2.98 ERA and 1.12 WHIP into his next start, currently scheduled to come midweek.

Kirby (7-3) earned the win over Atlanta on Saturday, pitching six innings and allowing an unearned run on three hits and no walks while striking out six batters.

Kirby was dominant through six frames, allowing just two baserunners -- one of whom was wiped out on a double play. He yielded a single to lead off the seventh and was pulled after the next batter reached on an error, but Seattle's bullpen did a good job of limiting the damage, and Kirby was tagged with just an unearned run. The rookie right-hander finished with his ninth quality start of the campaign, and he recorded his fifth win over his past seven starts. Kirby has rewarded fantasy managers who stuck with him after some early-season growing pains. Since the start of July, he's posted a 1.99 ERA and 66:7 K:BB over 58.2 innings.

Kirby allowed a run on three hits and struck out two without issuing a walk over three innings in a no-decision versus the Guardians on Sunday.

Kirby was cruising through three innings, but a massive rain delay ended his outing early. He ended up throwing 27 of 39 pitches for strikes in the abbreviated start, and he's still yet to walk multiple batters in any of his 20 outings this season. The rookie right-hander has a 3.15 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 109:16 K:BB through 105.2 innings, with the short start Sunday potentially helping his cause as some unplanned workload management. He's projected for a tough home start versus Atlanta next weekend.

Kirby (6-3) earned the victory Tuesday in Detroit, striking out five in five shutout innings while allowing two hits and a walk.

Kirby made easy work of the Tigers' lineup, scattering two hits and retiring the side in order in three of his five frames. With Seattle leading 9-0, the rookie was removed after five innings, having thrown 79 pitches. It was the ninth straight start that he allowed three or fewer runs and he is 4-0 with a 2.17 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 58:7 K:BB with no homers allowed in 49.2 innings during that span.

Kirby didn't factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing one run on eight hits over seven innings in a 3-1 loss to the Nationals. He struck out nine without walking a batter.

The rookie right-hander was impressive once again, firing an efficient 85 pitches (69 strikes) before exiting with the Mariners down 1-0, but his teammates were at least able to take him off the hook for the loss with a run in the eighth. Kirby hadn't worked more than six innings in a start since July 2 as Seattle keeps a close eye on his workload, but he still sports a 2.43 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 40:4 K:BB through 33.1 innings since the All-Star break.

Kirby (5-3) earned the win against the Angels on Wednesday, allowing three runs on six hits while striking out seven and walking one over 5.2 innings.

Kirby's outing Wednesday was a mixed bag of results. On one hand, he allowed three earned runs and six hits while throwing 63 of 94 pitches for strikes across 5.2 frames. On the other hand, he allowed only one walk and struck out six batters. Kirby has lasted six or more innings in just two of his last seven starts, a sign that Seattle may be limiting his innings. The righty will take a 3.47 ERA into his next outing.

Kirby (4-3) earn the win over the Rangers on Friday. He gave up two earned runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out five over 5.2 innings.

Kirby looked comfortable pitching on the road in Arlington, giving up only a couple of runs on a sacrifice groundout and single before coming out of the game having thrown 83 pitches. The rookie right-hander has shown impeccable control since entering the big leagues. Kirby boasts a 7.2 K/BB, having struck out 86 batters in 85 innings pitched while only issuing 12 walks. The Mariners are intent on monitoring Kirby's use down the stretch, so his upside is likely going to be limited by a pitch count going forward. He is tentatively expected to make his next start at the Angels next week.

Kirby (3-3) allowed one earned run over 6.0 innings and picked up the win in Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Angels. He gave up six hits, struck out eight batters and walked none.

The Mariners scored only two runs Saturday, but that was plenty for Kirby, who allowed only two extra-base hits and just missed tying his season high of nine strikeouts. Since being tagged for a season-high seven earned runs June 27, Kirby has given up only six earned runs over five starts.

Kirby allowed two runs on three hits, one walk and a hit batsman while striking out seven over four innings in a no-decision versus the Astros on Sunday.

Kirby gave up both runs and four of the five baserunners he permitted in the first inning. He threw 74 pitches (42 strikes) in the appearance. The rookie right-hander finishes July with five runs and 18 hits allowed in 20.1 innings, though he's already up to 73.1 major-league innings and 100 at all levels in 2022. Kirby is still expected to be in the rotation mix after the Mariners acquired Luis Castillo on Friday. It's unclear how that will look in practice -- the Mariners could go straight to a six-man rotation, piggyback Kirby with a long reliever or employ some other undefined strategy to manage his innings over the final two months of the season.

Kirby's opportunity to continue pitching regularly will continue to be prioritized in the wake of the Mariners' trade for Luis Castillo on Friday, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

The promising right-hander has already logged 69.1 innings across 13 starts with the Mariners in addition to another 26.2 frames in the minors. Kirby just returned from Triple-A Tacoma on July 26 to serve as the No. 5 starter and turned in five scoreless innings in a no-decision against the Rangers on Tuesday, and the team is intent on helping him get through a 162-game season for the first time as a professional. President of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto noted Friday he and manager Scott Servais would sit down and work on creative ways to make sure the rookie "stays on a regular turn and continues to contribute" despite the starting rotation now being at six pitchers overall.

Kirby registered a no-decision during Tuesday's 5-4 win against Texas, allowing two hits and one walk with four strikeouts in five scoreless innings.

Kirby put one runner on in each of the first three innings and finished the outing strong by retiring the final nine Rangers he faced. The 24-year-old was in line for his third win, but the bullpen surrendered the lead, leaving the righty winless in four July starts despite a 1.27 ERA. In 13 starts this season, Kirby has posted a 3.50 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 66 strikeouts compared to only 10 walks in 69.1 innings. He's set for a tough test with a road start against Houston on tap for this weekend.

The Mariners recalled Kirby from Triple-A Tacoma on Tuesday.

Kirby will start Tuesday's game versus the Rangers. It will be interesting to see how deep into games the Mariners let the rookie, who has a 3.78 ERA in 64.1 innings, pitch going forward.

The Mariners plan to call up Kirby from Triple-A Tacoma to start Tuesday's home game against the Rangers.

As was anticipated following the Mariners' decision to option him to Tacoma on July 9, Kirby will be rejoining the big club when it first requires a No. 5 starter following the All-Star break. Before the demotion, Kirby had proven his worth as an MLB-caliber starter by supplying a 3.78 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 62:9 K:BB across 64.1 frames, but the Mariners will continue to be mindful of the rookie's workload during his age-24 campaign. Between the Mariners, Tacoma and Double-A Arkansas, Kirby is up to 91 innings this season, and the organization may not be keen on having him push past the 130-to-140 range in 2022.

Mariners manager Scott Servais confirmed that Kirby will be called up from Triple-A Tacoma following the All-Star break to rejoin the big-league rotation, Jen Mueller of Root Sports Northwest reports.

Rather than due to any dissatisfaction with Kirby's performance, the Mariners elected to demote the rookie right-hander over the weekend as a means of keeping his innings in check. According to Servais, Kirby is expected to make an abbreviated start Saturday for Tacoma before making his return to the majors. The Mariners estimate that the decision to demote Kirby at this point in the calendar will save about 10 innings off his season total for 2022. Between stops with the Mariners and Double-A Arkansas this season, Kirby has thus far covered 89 frames.

Kirby was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on Saturday.

Kirby has struggled a bit across his last three starts, allowing 10 earned runs, 22 hits and three walks in the span of 15.1 innings. However, this move likely has more to do with the team managing his workload as the All-Star break approaches, as he's already thrown 89 frames combined between Double-A Arkansas and Seattle in 2022. Kirby threw only 67.2 innings in 2021, and the Mariners aren't likely to take many chances with one of the best pitchers in the organization.

Kirby allowed two runs on 10 hits and a walk with four strikeouts in 4.1 innings, taking a no-decision Friday versus the Blue Jays.

The 10 hits Kirby allowed marked a season high for the rookie right-hander, but only two of them went for extra bases. He did fairly well in damage control, as the two runs on his line were on RBI singles from Lourdes Gurriel and Teoscar Hernandez. It's a little concerning Kirby's failed to complete five innings in two of his last three starts. He has a 3.78 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 62:9 K:BB through 64.1 innings. He'll look to show more command in a projected road start against the Rangers next week.

Kirby didn't factor in the decision against Oakland on Saturday despite allowing just one run over seven innings. He gave up three hits and one walk while striking out nine.

Kirby fell behind by a run in the first inning but held Oakland scoreless the rest of the way, retiring 16 of the final 17 batters he faced. The right-hander racked up 15 swinging strikes and tied his career high with nine punchouts, but he had to settle for a no-decision since Seattle wasn't able to get on the scoreboard until the eighth frame. This was a strong bounce-back outing for Kirby after he allowed a career-worst seven runs over four innings in his previous start. He is putting together a standout rookie campaign, posting a 3.75 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 58:8 K:BB over 60 frames.

Kirby (2-3) took the loss against Baltimore on Monday, allowing seven runs on nine hits and and one walk while striking out two over four innings.

Of the nine hits Kirby surrendered in the contest, six went for extra bases -- including four that left the yard. The rookie wasn't able to keep the Orioles off the scoreboard in any frame, and he needed 95 pitches to get through four innings. The performance was a big letdown after Kirby had tossed four quality starts over his previous five appearances. The four homers and seven runs were both season-worst marks for the right-hander, and his ERA shot up to 4.08 as a result of the rough night.

Kirby (2-2) allowed five hits and a walk while striking out six over six innings to earn the win Wednesday over the Athletics.

It's the third time in nine starts this year Kirby's gone six scoreless innings, though he's yet to pitch beyond that. He received plenty of run support Wednesday, allowing him to cruise to his second win of the campaign. The rookie right-hander has posted a 3.12 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 47:6 K:BB through 49 innings overall. He's got another favorable matchup on the horizon next week at home versus the Orioles.

Kirby (1-2) allowed two runs on six hits and a walk with six strikeouts in six innings, taking the loss versus the Angels on Thursday.

Kirby allowed a two-run home run to Mike Trout in the third inning, and that was all it took for the rookie to take the loss. He has allowed two or fewer runs in three of his last four starts. The 22-year-old now has a 3.56 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 41:5 K:BB across 43 innings in eight starts overall. He's projected to make his next start on the road in Oakland next week.

Kirby didn't factor into the decision during Saturday's 7-6 win against Boston, allowing five runs (three earned) on six hits and one walk with four strikeouts in five innings.

A first-inning J.P. Crawford error led to three runs, and a J.D. Martinez two-run shot in the fifth put Kirby in line for the loss, but Seattle ultimately prevailed during a back-and-forth game. The 24-year-old rookie has now struck out three or fewer batters in four of seven starts but has at least seven in each of the other three. Kirby has been solid thus far with a 3.65 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 35:4 K:BB in 37 innings and lines up to face the Angels midweek.

Kirby allowed two runs on five hits and struck out three over six innings Sunday versus the Rangers. He walked none, and he didn't factor in the decision.

Through six starts, Kirby has shown impressive control, permitting just three walks in 32 innings. He's also logged three quality starts so far, though he has just a 1-1 record to show for it. The 24-year-old right-hander will carry a 3.38 ERA and 1.09 WHIP into his next start, tentatively set for a home matchup versus the Red Sox next weekend.

Kirby (1-1) earned the win Tuesday after he tossed six scoreless innings, allowing four hits, a walk and hitting a batter while striking out five versus the Orioles.

Kirby was in full control in this one, allowing just six batters to reach base. Ramon Urias notched a double bottom of the fifth, accounting for the only extra-base hit against him in the contest. After two consecutive difficult outings where he combined to give up nine runs in 10 innings, Kirby produced his scoreless start of the season Tuesday. The strong effort lowered his year-long numbers to a 3.46 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with 28 strikeouts over 26 innings in five starts.

Kirby didn't factor into the decision during Tuesday's 7-5 loss to Oakland, allowing four runs on eight hits with nine strikeouts in five innings.

Kirby was decent Tuesday in striking out an impressive nine batters while allowing four total runs in three different innings. The 24-year-old has shown promise through four starts with a 19:2 K:BB ratio though he's now surrendered nine runs across his last 10 innings. Kirby will go for his first win early next week against Baltimore.

Kirby (0-1) allowed five earned runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out three across five innings to take the loss Thursday against the Red Sox.

Kirby was primarily undone by a pair of home runs hit by Trevor Story, which accounted for four of his earned runs. However, Kirby allowed two additional extra-base hits and induced only six swinging strikes across 71 total pitches. It was the second consecutive disappointing start for Kirby, though he faced two dangerous offenses in the Mets and Red Sox. He now owns a 3.60 ERA and 11:2 K:BB across his first 15 big-league innings.

Kirby did not factor in the decision against the Mets on Saturday, hurling four innings and allowing three runs (one earned) on three hits and one walk while striking out one.

Kirby was electric in his big-league debut last Sunday, striking out seven over six scoreless frames. He wasn't as effective against the Mets, allowing the first run of his career in the first inning and watching two more runs cross the plate in the third (though both were unearned). More tellingly, Kirby struck out only one batter and notched a mere seven swings-and-misses. He was inefficient as well, needing 89 pitches (60 of which were strikes) to get through four frames. Despite the mediocre outing, there's still plenty to love about Kirby's arsenal and upside, and he'll likely get the opportunity to bounce back with another start. That is expected to take place in Boston next week.

Kirby will make his second start for the Mariners in Saturday's game against the Mets in New York, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

After coming up from Double-A Arkansas to replace the struggling Matt Brash as the Mariners' No. 5 starter, Kirby was sensational in his MLB debut last Sunday against the Rays. He struck out seven and allowed four baserunners across six scoreless innings in a no-decision, inducing 15 swings and misses along the way. The 24-year-old's impressive first outing made it a foregone conclusion for the Mariners to keep him in the rotation.

Kirby struck out seven and allowed four hits in six scoreless innings in a 2-1 win Sunday over Tampa Bay. He did not factor into the decision.

Kirby was excellent in his major-league debut, allowing just four baserunners and retiring 10 straight at one point. The 23-year-old was efficient, facing just three batters over the minimum and needing 81 pitches to throw six innings. The righty was promoted from Double-A Arkansas and appears to be taking over the fifth spot in the Mariners' rotation with the demotion of Matt Brash. Across 115.1 minor-league innings since 2019, he's amassed a 2.34 ERA and 1.03 WHIP with a 137:20 K:BB ratio.

The Mariners selected Kirby's contract from Double-A Arkansas ahead of his scheduled start Sunday against the Rays.

The 23-year-old right-hander will enter the rotation as the Mariners' new No. 5 starter after Seattle optioned the struggling Matt Brash to Triple-A Tacoma on Thursday. Kirby, the No. 20 overall selection in the 2019 first-year player draft, dazzled over his five starts at Arkansas this season, posting a 1.82 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 32:5 K:BB in 24.2 innings. Since Kirby didn't cover more than 68 innings in any of his first three seasons in the professional ranks, the Mariners will likely manage his workloads carefully in his first taste of the big leagues. With that in mind, Kirby probably shouldn't be expected to surpass the 120-inning mark in 2022, even if his talent and production warrants a long-term stay in the big-league rotation.

Kirby will join the Mariners' major-league roster shortly, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

The Mariners already called up one prospect straight from Double-A this season, but the Matt Brash experiment ended when the rookie was optioned on Thursday after struggling to a 7.65 ERA in five starts. The Mariners will hope for better from Kirby, and there's reason to believe they'll get it, as Kirby doesn't have anywhere near Brash's command issues. Command is instead Kirby's calling card, as the 2019 first-rounder has walked just 4.4 percent of the batters he's faced in his minor-league career. Pair that with his 30.0 percent strikeout rate and there's plenty of reason to get excited, though he'll still have to navigate a big step up in competition. Kirby is expected to start Sunday against the Rays, per Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com, so it's likely the transaction won't become official until then.

Kirby has a 1.82 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 32:5 K:BB across 24.2 innings through five starts for Double-A Arkansas.

They've been steadily capping him at five innings, which makes sense because he only threw 67.2 last year, but the limited workload does offer some cause for skepticism about Kirby's ability to make big-league fantasy contributions in 2022. Nonetheless, it's clear that Double-A hasn't been much of a challenge for him (nor was it last season), so Kirby's likely to bump up to Triple-A before long, with his MLB debut to follow sometime this summer. As long as you keep your expectations for this year in check, you won't be disappointed; after all, Kirby is arguably the best pitcher in the minor leagues not named Grayson Rodriguez.

Kirby will begin the 2022 campaign at Double-A Arkansas after Matt Brash was named the Mariners' fifth starter Saturday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Kirby has performed well in the minors to begin his career, but he struggled during Cactus League play this spring, as he posted a 7.04 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in 7.2 innings across three appearances (one start). While Kirby was unable to land a spot in the Mariners' rotation to begin the season, it seems likely that the 24-year-old will make his major-league debut at some point in 2022.

Kirby fired three scoreless innings in a Cactus League win over the Athletics on Sunday, allowing three hits and a walk while recording six strikeouts.

The promising right-hander followed one of his main competitors for the No. 5 starter role, Matt Brash, and matched the latter's three scoreless frames and six strikeouts. Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports Kirby was working out of the bullpen for the first time since his stint in the Cape Cod League in 2018, and after escaping some first-inning trouble, he put together an impressive body of work. Kramer notes Kirby is still likelier to open the season in the minors due to the fact his arm is less built up than Brash's, but there's little doubt the 2019 first-round pick's major-league debut will occur at some point in 2022.

Kirby is considered a candidate for the Mariners' vacant No. 5 starter role, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

The Mariners' No. 3 prospect logged 67.2 innings last season between High-A Everett and Double-A Arkansas, putting together a 5-3 record, 2.53 ERA and 1.08 WHIP while generating an 80:15 K:BB. The fact Kirby worked the fewest frames between him and fellow candidates Matt Brash and Levi Stoudt may hurt his chances to a degree, however, as Kramer notes Seattle intends for him to pitch deep into the season and would therefore likely have to manage him more closely, particularly early.

According to Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times, Kirby is developing his change-up to add to his arsenal.

On top of the 96 mph fastball, watch for Kirby's change-up to keep lefties off balance. Kirby stated the change-up will be "a big weapon" that adds to his arsenal. He noted that he's looking for the change-up to dive off the plate with a spin direction of 2:30 to 3 o'clock. The Mariners plan to be careful with Kirby's innings in 2022 with a potential workload of around 140 innings after 67 2/3 in 2021 across two levels. In Kirby's minor league career, he has a 2.48 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 28.9% K%, and 4.1% BB% in 90 2/3 innings.

The Mariners promoted Kirby from High-A Everett to Double-A Arkansas on Tuesday, Cameron Van Til of the Everett Herald reports.

Kirby had been sidelined for most of the past month at Everett due to right shoulder fatigue, but he was cleared to make his final start with the affiliate Saturday, when he tossed three shutout innings. Along with Kirby, the Mariners also promoted one of their top pitching prospects in Emerson Hancock to Double-A Arkansas. Kirby finishes his time at Everett with a 2.38 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 52:8 K:BB across 41.2 innings.

Kirby struck out a season-high 11 over seven innings of one-run ball against Eugene on Saturday for High-A Everett. He now has a 2.56 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 50:8 K:BB across 38.2 innings spanning eight starts.

High-A hasn't proven to be much of a challenge for Kirby, a 2019 first-round pick whose development was slowed somewhat by last year's canceled minor-league season. The one knock on him coming into this year was that we didn't have a lot of data from game action, so it's great to see him on the field and dominating, even if he's a little on the older side for the level as a 23-year-old. The Mariners are sure to be cautious with him, as he doesn't have a whole lot of pro innings under his belt, but Kirby absolutely looks ready for a promotion to Double-A.

Kirby was assigned to minor-league camp Monday, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

As expected, Kirby joined the big-league squad for the first few weeks of camp before being re-assigned. After spending the 2020 campaign at Seattle's alternate training site, he figures to begin the 2021 season in the lower levels of the club's farm system.

Kirby was invited to major-league spring training Wednesday.

Kirby spent the entire 2020 campaign at the Mariners' alternate training site, and he'll now join the team for developmental purposes as a non-roster invitee. The right-hander cleared intake testing Wednesday and will be immediately eligible to join the team for workouts. Kirby is slated to begin the year in the minors, but he'll have several weeks to work with the major-league coaching staff prior to Opening Day.

Kirby has been hitting the upper 90s with his fastball during simulated games at the Mariners' alternate training site in Tacoma, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

The news comes via general manager Jerry Dipoto, who relayed updates on several of the organization's top prospects during a radio interview Thursday. Kirby was impressive at short-season Everett last season (2.35 ERA, 25:0 K:BB across 23 innings) after his selection in the first round of the first-year player draft.