Can George Kirby (8.56 ERA) find his form? The Mariners face the Angels on June 8, 2025, in a critical AL West test. All eyes are on Kirby's start.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It's a pivotal Sunday in the AL West, and the Seattle Mariners find themselves in a familiar position: fighting for every inch in the standings. As they take the field against the rival Los Angeles Angels, the focus sharpens on one man: George Kirby. The pitcher once hailed for his impeccable command is searching for answers, and his start today could dictate the team's trajectory as they head deeper into June.
An 0-3 record and an 8.56 ERA. That's the stat line for a pitcher the Mariners need to be a co-ace, not an enigma.
The biggest story entering today's game is the man taking the ball for Seattle. George Kirby, a pitcher known for painting corners and limiting walks, has been uncharacteristically hittable in 2025. His 8.56 ERA and 0-3 record are jarring numbers for a player of his caliber. Every start now feels like a high-stakes referendum on his season. Facing a divisional opponent on the road, the Mariners desperately need Kirby to resemble the star he's been in the past. A quality start wouldn't just give them a chance to win; it would be a massive sigh of relief for a team that relies heavily on its top-tier pitching.
While Kirby looks to find his footing, the offense will need to provide support against Angels starter Tyler Anderson. The Mariners' offensive identity this season has been one of power over polish. With a team batting average of just .236, they rely on the long ball to do damage. No one exemplifies this more than Cal Raleigh, whose 24 home runs and 49 RBIs lead the team by a wide margin. For Seattle to secure a win today, they'll likely need 'Big Dumper' and the rest of the lineup to run into a few pitches and put crooked numbers on the board early.
Sitting at 32-29 and in 2nd place, the Mariners cannot afford to give away games within the AL West. Every matchup against the Angels, Astros, or Rangers carries extra weight. While it's only June, these head-to-head contests are crucial for tiebreakers and for setting the tone for the rest of the season. A series win on the road against a rival would be a significant momentum boost, reinforcing their status as legitimate contenders for the division crown.
Beyond today's game, the Mariners remain in a holding pattern. The trade deadline is still weeks away, and the front office has been quiet, showing confidence in the current roster. No new injuries or roster moves were reported today, meaning the team you see on the field is the one Jerry Dipoto is counting on to win. This period of stability puts the onus squarely on the players in the clubhouse to perform.
Tonight's game is more than just another box score in a 162-game season; it feels like a potential turning point. A strong outing from Kirby could reset the narrative for his season and stabilize the rotation for the summer push. A poor one will only amplify the concerns. As the Mariners battle to keep pace in a tight division, all eyes are on the mound in Anaheim. The team needs its ace back.
