Seattle Mariners' star right-hander George Kirby has been shut down from throwing due to shoulder inflammation and is expected to begin the 2025 season on the 15-day injured list, according to general manager Justin Hollander. Despite the absence of structural damage, Hollander stated that Kirby had not been feeling his best after outings, prompting the decision to rest him. Hollander emphasized the team's cautious approach, noting that while Kirby's pitching velocity remained consistent, the inflammation required attention to ensure his long-term health and effectiveness. "We just want to make sure we’re doing the right thing for the big picture of the whole season as opposed to worrying about Opening Day," Hollander said.
Kirby's situation is being managed with a week-to-week perspective rather than day-to-day, reflecting the Mariners' focus on ensuring a full recovery. The decision to remove Kirby from pitching, despite his willingness to continue, underscores the team's commitment to safeguarding their key players. With the MRI showing no structural concerns, the priority is to reduce inflammation and allow Kirby to return to form. As the season approaches, the Mariners are hopeful that their careful management will enable Kirby to contribute significantly once he is back on the mound.
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There appears to be widespread frustration surrounding the Seattle Mariners, extending beyond the fanbase. Former Mariner Justin Turner openly criticized the organization for its lack of aggression in an interview with Bob Nightengale of USA Today, highlighting their failure to add impact bats despite having one of the best pitching staffs in baseball. This criticism led Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times to seek reactions from various players, who chose to remain anonymous. Meanwhile, President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto shared his thoughts on the state of the franchise in an interview with Sam Blum of The Athletic, conducted earlier in the spring and not referencing Turner's comments.
Turner's pointed remarks underscored the sentiment of many who believe the Mariners' missed opportunities cost them a playoff spot. "The fact that they missed the playoffs by one game, and didn’t go out and add an impact bat or two when you have the best pitching staff in baseball just seems absurd to me," Turner told Nightengale. This growing frustration reflects the organization's need to reassess its strategy and address the concerns of both its players and fans as they look to improve their chances for success in the upcoming season. The Seattle Mariners, known for having one of the most formidable pitching staffs in baseball, missed the postseason in 2024 for the second consecutive year and the 22nd time in 23 years. The primary issue behind their disappointing season was the underwhelming performance of their lineup. Despite their strong rotation, the Mariners failed to bolster their offense during the offseason, with their only notable acquisition being veteran infielder Jorge Polanco. This lack of offensive investment has potentially hindered their chances of becoming true World Series contenders. Former Mariners infielder Justin Turner, now with the Chicago Cubs, voiced his frustration over the team's offseason approach.
Turner openly questioned the Mariners' motivation and strategy, criticizing their failure to secure a significant offensive addition. "The fact that they missed the playoffs by one game, and didn’t go out and add an impact bat or two when you have the best pitching staff in baseball just seems absurd to me," Turner told USA TODAY Sports. His comments reflect the sentiment of many who believe the Mariners' reluctance to invest in their lineup could be the obstacle preventing them from reaching their full potential. The Seattle Mariners have added right-handed pitcher Seth Martinez to their roster, claiming him off waivers from the Miami Marlins, as announced by the team. To accommodate Martinez on the 40-man roster, the Mariners placed right-hander Jackson Kowar on the 60-day injured list. This acquisition marks the latest chapter in a whirlwind offseason for Martinez, who has now bounced between four organizations in less than four months, bringing his experience back to the American League West.
Martinez’s recent journey began after four seasons with the Houston Astros, where he established himself as a reliable reliever. In early November, the Astros designated him for assignment, and he was claimed by the Arizona Diamondbacks. His stint in Arizona was brief, as the Marlins picked him up via waivers on February 20, only to designate him for assignment again a week later. Now, at 30 years old, Martinez joins the Mariners, offering a seasoned arm to their bullpen following his rapid tour through multiple teams. The Seattle Mariners have made several roster moves, reassigning five players to their Minor League Baseball (MiLB) camp: left-handed pitcher Peyton Alford, catchers Josh Caron and Connor Charping, and right-handed pitchers Tyler Cleveland and Hunter Cranton. In addition, the team has released right-handed pitcher Dauris Valdez. These changes reflect the Mariners' ongoing adjustments as they refine their roster ahead of the 2025 season.
The Seattle Mariners have signed veteran reliever Trevor Gott to a minor league contract, including an invitation to big league camp for spring training. After missing the entire 2024 season due to a torn UCL in his right elbow and undergoing Tommy John surgery last April, Gott is eager to make a comeback. The 32-year-old right-hander boasts a career record of 16-15 with a 4.65 ERA and six saves in 255 appearances since his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Angels in 2015. This will be Gott's second stint with the Mariners, having previously appeared in 30 games for them in 2023 before being traded to the New York Mets.
Gott joins a roster of experienced relievers that the Mariners have recently taken a chance on, including Drew Pomeranz and Neftalí Feliz, as they vie for spots in Seattle's bullpen. The Mariners hope that Gott's experience and determination will bolster their pitching depth as they prepare for the upcoming season. With his return to the team, Gott aims to prove that he still has what it takes to be a valuable asset in the majors. Julio Rodríguez, the Mariners' dynamic center fielder, is taking a strategic approach this spring inspired by Mariners legend Edgar Martinez. Known for his meticulous preparation and relentless work ethic, Martinez's methods have long been a blueprint for success. This year, Rodríguez is following suit, focusing on getting as many at-bats as possible to ensure he's primed for the regular season. Whether it's extra live batting practice on the backfields or playing more innings early in the Cactus League, Rodríguez is all about maximizing his reps.
Rodríguez emphasizes that while Spring Training games themselves don't count, the preparation and practice do. "The only thing that really matters is the amount of reps you get and the preparation you put in," he says. This focused approach is a big point of emphasis for the team, as they aim to build a strong foundation for the upcoming season. By learning from the best and putting in the extra work now, Rodríguez and his teammates are positioning themselves for success, ready to take on the challenges of the season with confidence and determination. The Seattle Mariners have signed right-handed reliever Garrett Hill to a minor league contract. Hill, 29, previously pitched for the Detroit Tigers between 2022 and 2023, logging 60 1/3 innings with a 4.03 ERA in 17 appearances during the 2022 season. Despite his initial promise, Hill struggled in 2023, posting a 9.19 ERA and 2.11 WHIP over 15 2/3 innings, leading to his release. After electing minor league free agency in November, Hill now joins the Mariners, where he will begin the season in the upper minors, aiming to harness his swing-and-miss stuff and improve his control.
Hill's journey has been marked by both potential and challenges. After opening last season on the injured list, he was reinstated in late May and assigned to Double-A Erie, where he struck out nearly a third of opposing hitters. However, his performance at Triple-A Toledo was less impressive, with a 4.76 ERA and a high walk rate. The Mariners hope that Hill can regain his form and provide valuable depth to their bullpen. As he works to refine his mechanics and consistency, Hill's progress will be closely monitored by the Mariners' coaching staff. Free-agent right-handed pitcher Trevor Gott has agreed to a minor-league contract with the Seattle Mariners, which includes an invitation to spring training. Gott missed the entire 2024 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. He previously played for the Mariners and the Mets in 2023, appearing in 30 games for Seattle and posting a 4.03 ERA over 29 innings.
Gott's return to the Mariners provides an opportunity for him to prove his health and regain his form. The 32-year-old right-hander will look to make a strong impression during spring training and earn a spot on the Mariners' roster for the upcoming season. With his experience and potential, Gott could be a valuable addition to the Mariners' bullpen if he can stay healthy and perform at a high level. The Seattle Mariners have signed first baseman Rowdy Tellez to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. This move adds a power threat to the Mariners' lineup as they gear up for the 2025 season. Tellez, who hit .243/.299/.392 with 13 home runs and 56 RBIs in 131 games last season, brings valuable experience and depth to the team.
Tellez's addition is expected to bolster the Mariners' offensive capabilities, providing a much-needed boost to their lineup. His proven track record and power-hitting ability make him a valuable asset as the team prepares for the challenges of the upcoming season. |
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