Mariners Game #53 Preview: Mariners (25-27) at Royals (20-31)
Kirby vs. Kolek in KC
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MAY 17: George Kirby #68 of the Seattle Mariners prepares to deliver a pitch during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at T-Mobile Park on May 17, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jack Compton/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Mariners will look to make it back-to-back series wins Saturday. George Kirby takes the mound for the Mariners.
He’s looking to bounce back after a shelling against the Padres last week. Kirby has been good overall this year with a 3. 54 FIP, but he’s done it in a weird way, with a career-low strikeout rate and a career-high groundball rate.
The Padres were able to elevate against him last week, with a pair of homers. Kirby will try to keep the Royals on the ground today. J.
P. Crawford is leading off and still playing shortstop. He and the Mariners have been doing all sorts of press about their plans to move him to third base, but I guess he isn’t ready yet.