HOUSTON (AP) — Seattle’s George Kirby faced challenges in his season opener with the Houston Astros on Thursday night, but he felt optimistic returning to the mound after a significant hiatus.
“I’m happy to be back out there,” he remarked. “I felt physically improved. I wasn’t necessarily eager for tonight, but reuniting with my teammates is a significant step forward.
Kirby gave up six hits and five runs while striking out four in 3 2/3 innings during a 9-2 defeat after spending the season sidelined due to shoulder inflammation.
“Vero did well and was aggressive,” said manager Dan Wilson. “They managed to get some runners on base, and he broke a few bats along the way, but seeing George on the mound and attacking with his pitches is something to celebrate and build upon.”
In the fourth inning, after Jake Myers reached base with a single from Kirby and Cam Smith walked, Mauricio Dubon’s single to right field brought Myers home, putting Houston ahead 3-2.
Jeremy Pena followed with a triple that ricocheted off the center-left wall, bringing two more runs in and pushing the score to 5-2, leading to Kirby’s exit.
“My fastball felt strong,” Kirby stated. “I think certain situations—runners on, two strikes, two outs—required me to clean things up.”
Last season, Kirby started 33 games, leading the major leagues with a record of 14-11 and an ERA of 3.53, notching 179 strikeouts against 23 walks over 191 innings.
He was selected as an AL All-Star in 2023, finishing with a record of 13-10 and an ERA of 31 in 190 2/3 innings.
Following his injury diagnosis, Kirby only made one appearance in Spring Training and started three rehabilitation games at Triple-A Tacoma.
He believes he can build from Thursday’s performance.
“I learned a lot from today,” he said. “It wasn’t exactly how I envisioned it, but I aimed to take away some key lessons, and above all, I felt healthier.
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Source: apnews.com