Mariners Weigh Rotation Options Amid Injury Challenges

The Seattle Mariners have faced a wave of pitching injuries in 2024, leading to three starters being placed on the injured list and requiring the team to use nine different starting pitchers so far. Key arms George Kirby, Bryce Miller, and Logan Gilbert are now returning to the rotation, prompting discussions about the potential of shifting to a six-man rotation to manage workloads. While team executives see the merits of such a move, they currently intend to maintain a five-man rotation, only occasionally adding a sixth starter as needed due to roster and routine considerations. ESPN's Jeff Passan has argued that this season is an opportune time for the Mariners to experiment with a six-man rotation, though no formal commitment has been made. In response to ongoing depth concerns, the Mariners have also brought back veteran pitcher Casey Lawrence. Team leadership is prioritizing day-to-day management, using scheduled off-days to bolster rotation flexibility and stability.