Mariners' George Kirby Shines in Rehab Start, Nears Return

Seattle Mariners pitcher George Kirby made a successful first rehab start for Triple-A Tacoma as he returns from shoulder inflammation, striking out four over three innings and allowing just one run. Kirby's fastball reached up to 97.8 mph, and he threw 33 of his 42 pitches for strikes, showing strong command and velocity. Mariners president Jerry Dipoto expects Kirby will require only two or three rehab starts before rejoining the major league rotation, with a possible return later this month. The Mariners, who have faced several injuries in their pitching staff, also saw relievers Jackson Kowar and Trevor Gott begin their own rehab assignments, signaling more reinforcements could be on the way soon. These developments offer hope for the Mariners as they look to bolster their depleted pitching staff in the coming weeks.