George Kirby is officially back.
The Seattle Mariners activated Kirby from the injured list and are slated to start the 27-year-old right-hander for Thursday night’s series opener in Houston against the AL West rival Astros. It will be the season debut for Kirby, who opened the year on the IL after being shut down with shoulder inflammation during spring training.
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In a corresponding move, Seattle optioned 23-year-old right-handed reliever Troy Taylor back to Triple-A Tacoma.
Kirby’s return is a major boost for a Mariners rotation that’s been hit hard by injuries. Fellow starters Logan Gilbert and Bryce Miller are also on the IL, but neither are expected to be out long.
Kirby made three rehab starts at Triple-A Tacoma. He surrendered eight runs and 15 hits in 10 innings with the Rainiers, while totaling 13 strikeouts and two walks.
Kirby has been a major part of Seattle’s rotation since making his MLB debut in 2022. He has a 3.43 career ERA in 89 starts with the Mariners over the past three seasons and was an All-Star in 2023, when he finished eighth in the American League Cy Young Award voting.
“Obviously looking forward to getting George back out there,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson said before Wednesday’s game in Chicago. “I know it’s been a long road for George since spring training. And you know, you put the work in, you do your rehab assignments and mentally you’re ready to go.”
This is the third time Taylor has been optioned to Tacoma this season. He has made eight relief appearances for the Mariners, allowing nine runs and 14 hits in 6 2/3 innings.
Taylor was a solid contributor as a rookie late last season with Seattle, posting a 3.72 ERA and 1.138 WHIP in 21 games. But he has struggled this year after a right lat strain delayed his start in spring training.
The first-place Mariners open their four-game set in Houston on Thursday at 5:10 p.m. Radio coverage on Seattle Sports will with the pregame show at 4 p.m.
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