Mariners: George Kirby deservedly named AL Rookie of the Month

George Kirby becomes the first Seattle Mariners pitcher to earn American League Rookie of the Month honors since Michael Pineda in 2011.

It is fair to call the Mariners’ decision to reboot the franchise and focus on young, long-term talent a success. This was proven once again, with Friday’s announcement that George Kirby has been named AL Rookie of the Month for August.

Kirby’s win means Mariners players have claimed three of the five AL Rookie of the Month awards so far this year. Julio Rodriguez won in May and June.

The 24-year-old more than deserved the honor for August. He went 4-0 in five starts, recording a 2.15 ERA, while striking out 34 batters and walking just three.

Record-breaking

From a historical perspective, Kirby has been extremely impressive. During Tuesday’s win in Detroit, he extended his Major League record of one or fewer walks to 19 games to begin a career.

More generally speaking, the 19-game streak is the second-longest to begin any season in Major League history. The righty only trails Carlos Silva, who went 27 games with the Twins to start the 2005 season.

Kirby also entered the record books in August, by throwing 24 straight strikes to start a game. The feat was achieved at T-Mobile Park in a 3-1 loss to the Nationals. (The only one of his five starts in August, which the Mariners lost.)

For some context, pitch tracking only began in 1988, but it is still an impressive record to set. The previous record was 21, set by Joe Musgrove during 2018 when he was playing for the Pirates.

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In the same start against the Nationals, Kirby equaled his career-high of nine Ks. In the process, he became the third-fastest Mariners starter to reach 100 career strikeouts, hitting this mark in 18 games. (Felix Hernandez achieved this in 16 and Pineda did it in 17.)

The 2019 first round draft pick has been effective ever since making his Major League debut on May 8 this year, versus the Rays. He became the first player in franchise history to throw six+ scoreless innings in his MLB debut. (He allowed just four hits and no walks in 6.0 innings, while striking out seven.)

On the season, Kirby has a 3.16 ERA in 102.2 innings, with 107 strikeouts and only 14 walks. His 7.64 strikeout-to-walk ratio leads the AL (minimum 100 innings pitched) and is second in the Majors.

Confidence

Kirby spoke to the media on Friday about his award and what it means. He said:

“I thought I made a good case for myself for sure. It’s good to get the recognition and I’m excited to just keep going, play ball in September and make a playoff run.”

One thing clear about Kirby, is the faith in his abilities. In terms of batters adjusting to him, he said:

“Guys are swinging when I put it in the zone and it doesn’t really phase me. I’ve just got to execute better in the zone, hit the corners a little better and just execute when I’ve got two strikes. I think I’ve been doing a really good job of that the last month or two.”

The Rye, New York native has a 6-3 record in his 19 starts this year, with Seattle going 12-7 in those games. Pending the Mariners qualifying for the postseason, he will firmly be in contention for the three-man rotation.

Kirby is the second Mariners pitcher to win an award this season, with Logan Gilbert being named AL Pitcher of the Month for April. Kirby will make his next start on Sunday, in the series finale versus the Guardians.

While not wanting to jump to conclusions, let’s assume the Mariners do make the postseason. Is Kirby in your starting trio for the first round and if so, who misses out? Let us know in the comments section below.