“George Kirby Set to Start as Mariners Face Red-Hot Brewers”

George Kirby’s Comeback and Strong Form

• 💪 Kept Arm Active Over Break: During the All-Star break, Kirby used a $20 glove from a sporting goods store to play catch with his girlfriend and stay in shape.

• 📅 Starting Against Brewers: Kirby will start Monday’s series opener against the in-form Milwaukee Brewers, who are coming off a 10-game winning streak.

• 🧢 Rotation Line-Up:

  • Monday: George Kirby vs. Brewers

  • Tuesday: Logan Gilbert vs. rookie Jacob Misiorowski

  • Wednesday: Luis Castillo starts the final game

• 📈 Pre-Break Momentum:

  • 2.31 ERA in his last 4 starts

  • At least 6 innings pitched in 3 of those

  • 23 strikeouts, only 4 walks

  • Only blemish: 3-run homer by Riley Greene in last start before break

• 🧠 Kirby on Building Rhythm:

  • “It takes time for your body to adjust after a long break.”

  • “More reps help me feel comfortable — I’m finally putting games together.”

• 🎯 Key to Success:

  • Better command of two-seam fastball and slider

  • Staying ahead in the count and keeping hitters off balance

🦾 Randy Arozarena’s Torpedo Bat Power Surge

• ⚾ Bat Choice Backstory:

  • Arozarena tried a torpedo-style bat early in the season but stopped using it after struggling

  • Reintroduced it recently after breaking several regular bats

• 🔁 Why He Switched Back:

  • “I liked the base weight and how it felt,” said Arozarena via interpreter

• 📊 Current Hot Streak:

  • Hitting .318 over the last 27 games

  • OPS over 1.000

  • Reached base in 22 out of 27 recent games

• ❌ Latest Game:

  • Went 0-for-4 in Sunday’s finale vs. Astros, but form remains strong