Seattle Mariners’ George Kirby progressing from shoulder issue | Notebook

PEORIA, Ariz. — George Kirby held the football in his hand and spun it a few times to himself. It’s an implement that pitchers use as part of their daily warm up. As much as he wanted to just toss it around with Bryan Woo or Bryce Miller, even for fun, he couldn’t do it.

“Maybe left-handed,” he would later say.

As much as he believes his right shoulder is healthy and ready to go, Kirby is doing exactly what the team’s medical staff is telling him to do as he recovers from some minor shoulder fatigue that shut him down from throwing in spring training.

“This is spring training,” he said. “There are more important games ahead.”

On March 7, general manager Justin Hollander announced that Kirby was being shut down from throwing after struggling to bounce back following his second spring training outing. In an effort to speed up the healing process, Kirby received a “biologics” injection shortly after being diagnosed. He remained diligent in continuing his lower body and core conditioning throughout the process.   

After the initial period of inactivity and treatment, Kirby was allowed to resume arm strengthening exercises — the precursor to starting a throwing program.  

But he’s been a frustrated spectator as his fellow starting pitchers throw bullpen sessions, knowing he’s not able to do the same thing just yet.

“It sucks just watching and not being able to do the same,” he said

Kirby is hoping that he can start playing catch in the next few days.

“Each day he’s getting closer and closer,” manager Dan Wilson said. “I know he’s ready to go.”

As Logan Gilbert and Bryce Miller were packing up things in their locker to put on the team’s truck that’s headed for T-Mobile Park, Kirby mostly watched. He will remain in Arizona once his teammates head north to continue his rehab and recovery. The Mariners spring training complex offers a better setup for players working their way back to being game ready, including extended spring training games.

But staying in Arizona for three more weeks after six weeks of spring training isn’t ideal either.

“I’m hoping to get back up there by the middle of April,” Kirby said.

Across the way, outfielder Mitch Haniger was back in uniform, preparing to participate in some of the on-field pregame work before Tuesday’s game vs. the Brewers. Haniger has been bothered by left shoulder soreness and hasn’t played in a game since March 8. With only a handful of games before opening day, there is a strong possibility that Haniger will start the season on the 10-day injured list.

Julio Rodriguez wasn’t at the Mariners complex on Tuesday morning. He still battling an illness that forced him out of the lineup on Monday.

“I think he’s still a bit under the weather, from what I understand,” Wilson said. “We’ll kind of take it day by day with him. It has gone through a few guys. It’s not something you want to get. So protect yourselves.”

Reliever Troy Taylor, who suffered a lat strain during his offseason throwing program, will throw a live batting practice session on Wednesday.  

He will likely need to throw at least two live BPs before being cleared to pitch in games. It might allow for him to appear in one of the last remaining games on the Cactus League schedule. But he will still need more buildup before being ready for regular-season action.

Opening day activities announced

With opening day vs. the Athletics less than 10 days away, Mariners released their schedule for opening day activities leading up to the 7:10 p.m. first pitch on March 27.

The game is not close to being sold out with many tickets still available.

From the news release, the list of events include: 

• Player Introductions — Welcome the boys of summer back to Seattle as the entire 2025 roster is introduced from right field, a special opening day tradition.
• Ceremonial First Pitch — The Countdown to Cooperstown will be underway as Ichiro delivers the Ceremonial First Pitch.
• Gold & Platinum Gloves — The Mariners will present Cal Raleigh & Dylan Moore with their 2024 Gold & Platinum Glove Awards.
• Ceremonial Run Around the Bases — 9-year-old Blair from Sammamish will begin her Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington experience with the Mariners by taking the season’s first trip around the bases. As part of her Wish, Blair will also return to T-Mobile Park on April 8 to spend time on the field with her favorite Mariners players.
• National Anthem — Performed by Seattle band The Head and the Heart and accompanied by a flyover by the U.S. Navy.
• Rickey Henderson Tribute — The Mariners and Athletics will honor Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson, who sadly passed away this offseason, with a pregame ceremony including Rickey’s family members.
• Ballpark Favorites Return — All of our fan-favorite moments are back, including the return of the Salmon Run, Hydro Challenge, Hotdogs from Heaven, plus some new surprises.
• Magnetic Schedule — All fans in attendance will receive a 2025 Magnetic Schedule, courtesy of Starbucks.

As the owners of the area across the street from T-Mobile Park, the Mariners have also scheduled pre and postgame activities, including:

• Power Hour at the Boxyard — For the first hour after the final out, Hatback Bar & Grille and Steelheads Alley will offer 50% off all pizzas and $5 draft beers.
• Pregame Celebration at Victory Hall — Join the Mariners in a countdown until the T-Mobile Park gates open for the 2025 season. Seattle Sports (710) will be on-air live from Victory Hall, while fans enjoy pregame food and drinks.
• Dick’s Drive-In Food Truck — Dick’s Drive-In will be serving its iconic burgers at Boxyard, located just across the street from T-Mobile Park.