Mariners: George Kirby demotion about workload rather than performances

The Seattle Mariners have optioned George Kirby to Triple-A Tacoma, but this is more about managing his workload during his rookie year in the Majors, rather than any concern about recent outings.

The Mariners announced on Saturday that right-handed pitcher George Kirby has been optioned to Triple-A Tacoma. This will actually be his first assignment at the Triple-A level, because in May he was promoted to the Majors from Double-A.

Kirby has made a positive impression for the Mariners so far this season, especially considering this is his debut campaign at the Major League level. He announced his arrival on May 8 versus Tampa Bay, by becoming the first pitcher in franchise history to throw 6.0+ scoreless innings in his Major League debut.

Overall, the 20th overall pick of the 2019 draft has recorded a 2-3 record and 3.78 ERA in his first 12 starts for the Mariners. His 6.89-1 strikeout-walks ratio* is best on the ball club, with his walk rate being particularly elite.

On the flip side, Kirby does allow a lot of hard contact, which has been particularly noticeable in two of his last three starts. More specifically, he allowed career highs of seven earned runs against Baltimore and 10 hits versus Toronto; his outings lasted 4.0 and 4.1 innings respectively.

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Despite this, the 24-year-old’s demotion is more about managing his workload, rather than concerns about recent performances. When combining his 64.1 Major League innings and 24.2 innings in Double-A this year, this is the most he has ever pitched in a pro season.

Kirby will probably not return to the Mariners now, until after the All-Star break. In the interim he will likely see limited action for the Rainiers, while working on refining his game and getting some valuable rest.

In this respect, the Rye, New York native remains important to the Mariners, as they attempt to finally end the longest active postseason drought in the Majors. Baseball America rated him as the number two prospect in the organization and the 11th overall in baseball, heading into the 2022 season.

* Kirby’s strikeout-to-walk ratio of 6.89 is the second-highest in Major League history through a pitcher’s first 12 career starts (excluding openers).

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In addition, Mariners President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto announced the following roster moves:

· Matt Brash, RHP, recalled from Triple-A Tacoma.

· Matt Festa, RHP, recalled from Triple-A Tacoma.

· Jacob Barnes (#54), RHP, selected from Triple-A Tacoma.

· Luis Torrens, C, reinstated from 10-day Injured List.

· Ken Giles, RHP, placed on 15-day Injured List (right shoulder inflammation).

· Erik Swanson, RHP, placed on Paternity List.

· Andrew Knapp, C, designated for assignment.

The Mariners’ Major League, 40-man, roster remains full at 40 players.

How would you summarize Kirby’s overall form for the Mariners so far this season? Do you see him becoming a stalwart in the rotation? Let us know in the comments section below.