Mariners' Kirby to start season on IL due to shoulder inflammation

The Seattle Mariners will begin the regular season without one of their best starters.

Right-hander George Kirby was shut down from throwing because of shoulder inflammation, according to Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times.

Kirby, 27, underwent an MRI that showed no structural damage, but he will begin the 2025 campaign on the injured list, Divish added.

With no timeline for Kirby's return, getting the inflammation out of his shoulder will determine when he comes back, according to Mariners reporter Shannon Drayer.

Kirby is part of a formidable Mariners rotation that also includes Logan Gilbert, Luis Castillo, Bryce Miller, and Bryan Woo. Emerson Hancock is an option to start with Kirby sidelined.

Kirby owns a 3.43 ERA and 3.22 FIP in 511 2/3 innings since debuting in 2022. He was an All-Star and finished eighth in AL Cy Young voting in the 2023 campaign.