The Seattle Mariners just got a whole lot scarier—and at the perfect time. On Thursday, they announced that right-hander George Kirby has been reinstated from the injured list and is set to make his highly anticipated 2025 debut against the division-rival Houston Astros. It’s been a patient wait for Mariners fans, but the payoff could be immense.
The Return of an Ace
George Kirby isn’t just a good arm coming back—he’s a potential game-changer for the AL West leaders. Seattle’s rotation, already short-handed with Logan Gilbert and Bryce Miller both on the IL, has been holding things together with duct tape and determination.
But now? Now they get a boost from arguably their most precise pitcher—a command artist who throws mid-90s heat and doesn’t hand out free passes.
Kirby hasn’t pitched yet this season due to shoulder inflammation, which was diagnosed during spring training. The Mariners took the long view, playing it safe with a valuable arm—and now the reward is here. With a 28-20 record and a four-game series against the second-place Astros on tap, Seattle couldn’t have asked for better timing.
Command Like You’ve Never Seen
If you think Kirby is just another power pitcher, think again. Since debuting in 2022, no starting pitcher in baseball has posted a lower walk rate than Kirby’s 3.1%. That’s not just good—it’s absurd. You’re more likely to see Bigfoot than to see Kirby hand out a walk. And it’s not like he’s nibbling corners to stay out of trouble—he throws strikes with confidence, averaging 96.1 mph on his four-seamer in 2023-24.
He doesn’t need to pile up strikeouts to dominate. While his 23.3% strikeout rate and 43.4% ground-ball rate are respectable, that elite command separates him from the pack. Pitchers with his velocity typically sacrifice some control. Kirby somehow manages to blend both, which makes him one of the most effective arms in the game—even if he isn’t flashy.
A Critical Matchup Ahead For Mariners
Kirby’s return couldn’t come against a more fitting opponent. The Astros are chasing the Mariners in the standings and dealing with their own lineup issues. With Yordan Alvarez out and little left-handed pop in the Houston lineup, this matchup plays straight into Kirby’s strengths. He’s been especially brutal against righties, holding them to a .234/.257/.360 slash in 2024—a nightmare stat line for any right-handed-heavy team.
This isn’t just another early-season series. This is a proving ground. Seattle’s lead is within striking distance, and with their rotation thinned out, having Kirby back on the hill might be the difference between holding that first-place spot or getting reeled in.
So yes, the Mariners are in a good spot—but with George Kirby back in the mix? They just became legitimately dangerous in Major League Baseball.
