Logan Gilbert will make at least one more rehab start with Triple-A Tacoma before returning to the Seattle Mariners’ rotation, manager Dan Wilson said prior to Friday’s game in Anaheim.
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Gilbert, the Mariners’ opening day starter, has been on the injured list since April 26 with a flexor strain in his right elbow.
The 2024 All-Star right-hander has already made two rehab starts with Triple-A Tacoma. His latest came on Wednesday night, when he allowed two runs and five hits over three-plus innings before reaching his 60-pitch limit.
Wilson said Gilbert is slated to fly from Anaheim back to Seattle on Sunday in advance of his next rehab start. Tacoma opens a six-game series against Sacramento on Tuesday at Cheney Stadium.
“He’ll make another rehab start, and from there we’ll continue to reassess,” Wilson said. “… Just making sure he’s at a good spot and a good pitch count and ready to roll. I think (it’s) wanting to be in a position where we’re comfortable with where he’s going.”
In Wednesday’s rehab start, Gilbert’s four-seam fastball regularly sat around 95-96 mph and touched 96.8 mph in the first inning. Gilbert’s velocity dipped to 93.7 mph on his final two fastballs of the night, but Wilson said Thursday morning that the 28-year-old ace “felt great” and that there was “nothing lingering” after his outing.
“I think he felt good about his velo and where he was,” Wilson said. “So I think, all in all, another good rehab outing for him.”
When Gilbert returns to the rotation, 26-year-old right-hander Emerson Hancock is the most likely starter to be sent down to the minors. Hancock has pitched well lately, posting a 2.91 ERA over his past four starts. He has 16 strikeouts and six walks in 21 2/3 innings over that span.
Wilson was asked Friday whether Hancock’s recent success played a role in the decision to have Gilbert make at least one more rehab start.
Wilson said it was more about ensuring Gilbert is ready to go.
“There’s a lot of things we weigh, and obviously I think the main goal here is Logan’s health and making sure he’s ready to go and in a good position,” Wilson said. “So that’s really what’s on our mind.
“Obviously, Emerson has done a fantastic job as he’s gotten his opportunities here to pitch, so that’s been a huge step forward for Emerson. But at the same time, I think Logan’s situation is independent of that.”
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