Injury Woes Hit Mariners’ Starting Rotation
The Seattle Mariners are facing a challenging stretch in May as injuries have struck their highly regarded starting rotation. On May 14, the team placed Bryce Miller on the 15-day injured list due to right elbow inflammation. This move made Miller the third Mariners starter to land on the IL this season, joining Logan Gilbert and George Kirby. The Mariners’ rotation, once seen as a major strength, is now being tested for its depth and resilience. Despite these setbacks, the Mariners have managed to maintain their lead in the AL West, showing the importance of roster depth and player development.
Updates on Key Pitchers: Miller, Gilbert, and Kirby
Bryce Miller’s injury is not believed to be serious, according to Mariners General Manager Justin Hollander. The inflammation is in the back of Miller’s elbow, which is less concerning than a UCL injury. Miller received a cortisone shot and is expected to return after the minimum 15-day stint. Before his injury, Miller had a 5.22 ERA over eight starts, with 35 strikeouts and 21 walks in 39⅔ innings. His fastball velocity has dipped slightly this year, and he admitted to not feeling like himself physically after a rough outing against Toronto on May 11.
Logan Gilbert has been on the IL since late April with a right elbow flexor strain. He threw his first bullpen session at T-Mobile Park on May 13, reaching up to 95 mph and reporting no pain. Gilbert’s return date is still uncertain, but the team is encouraged by his progress. In six starts before the injury, Gilbert posted a 2.37 ERA and a .791 WHIP, making his absence a significant blow to the rotation.
George Kirby has not pitched in the majors this season after being shut down during spring training with shoulder inflammation. He has made two rehab starts for Triple-A Tacoma and is scheduled for a third on May 16. The Mariners are taking a cautious approach with Kirby, evaluating him after each outing and emphasizing long-term health over a quick return. If all goes well, Kirby could rejoin the rotation as soon as May 22 in Houston.
Other Notable Injuries and Recovery Timelines
The Mariners’ injury list extends beyond the starting rotation. Trent Thornton, a key reliever, was placed on the 15-day IL with appendicitis on May 9. He underwent surgery and is expected to miss at least three weeks. Thornton had appeared in 16 games this season, posting a 5.86 ERA with 11 strikeouts over 15.1 innings. His absence puts more pressure on the bullpen, but the team recalled Troy Taylor from Triple-A Tacoma to help fill the gap.
Outfielder and first baseman Luke Raley is recovering from a right oblique strain suffered in late April. He has started light baseball activities and will continue his rehab at the Mariners’ Spring Training facility in Arizona. The initial prognosis was a six-week recovery before a possible rehab assignment. Victor Robles, another outfielder, remains on the 60-day IL with a left shoulder dislocation and is not expected back until early July.
Recent Roster Moves and Lineup Changes
To address the wave of injuries, the Mariners have made several roster moves. On May 14, left-handed pitcher Jhonathan Díaz was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma to take Miller’s spot. Díaz, age 28, has made one appearance for Seattle this season and brings experience as both a starter and reliever. On May 9, the team recalled Troy Taylor to bolster the bullpen after Thornton’s injury. Outfielder Rhylan Thomas was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on May 7, reflecting ongoing adjustments to the active roster.
Game Results and Standings Update
Despite the injury challenges, the Mariners have continued to perform well on the field. As of May 15, Seattle holds a 23–18 record, leading the AL West by one and a half games over the Oakland Athletics. The team recently wrapped up a three-game series against the New York Yankees, with the final game scheduled for May 15. In the May 13 matchup, the Mariners fell to the Yankees 11-5, a game that also saw Yankees third baseman Oswaldo Cabrera suffer a serious ankle injury while sliding into home plate.
Star Players’ Health and Availability
There has been concern about the health of key Mariners players beyond the pitching staff. Luis Castillo, the team’s ace, was cleared to start against the Yankees on May 12, with no injury red flags reported. Castillo’s presence is crucial as the team navigates a tough schedule and a depleted rotation. Meanwhile, catcher Cal Raleigh’s status for the May 12 game against the Yankees was uncertain due to conditioning concerns, but no major injury was reported.
Looking Ahead: Mariners’ Strategy and Outlook
The Mariners’ front office, led by Justin Hollander, has emphasized a cautious approach to player health, especially with pitchers returning from injury. The team is focused on the long-term, aiming to keep its core healthy for a potential playoff run. Depth moves, such as recalling Díaz and Taylor, have helped the Mariners stay competitive despite adversity. The offense has also seen improvement, with players like Cal Raleigh and Dylan Moore contributing key hits and showing growth at the plate.
As the Mariners prepare for upcoming series against the San Diego Padres and Houston Astros, the return of injured starters will be closely watched. The team’s ability to weather this storm and maintain its position atop the AL West will depend on both the recovery of its stars and the performance of its supporting cast. With a strong start to the season and a resilient roster, the Mariners remain a team to watch in the American League.