Logan Gilbert returns from injury to start for the Seattle Mariners against the Boston Red Sox on June 16, 2025. Can his arm save the M's playoff hopes?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a sight for sore eyes at T-Mobile Park tonight. After nearly two months on the shelf, Logan Gilbert strode to the mound, bringing his trademark intensity and a much-needed shot of adrenaline to a Mariners team navigating the choppy waters of the AL playoff race. His return from a right elbow flexor strain to start the series opener against the Boston Red Sox couldn't have come at a more critical time, marking a major turning point for Seattle's pitching rotation.
When he’s hot, there are not too many people hotter.
After being sidelined since April 26, Gilbert's return felt like a blockbuster premiere. Armed with a sterling 2.37 ERA and a staggering 37.6% strikeout rate from before his injury, he was activated today following three successful rehab starts and a clean bullpen session. General Manager Justin Hollander expressed full confidence in his readiness, setting the stage for a classic pitcher's duel against Boston's Lucas Giolito. Facing a Red Sox lineup that leads the league in strikeouts, Gilbert's high-octane stuff was exactly what the doctor ordered to kick off this crucial homestand.
The celebration of Gilbert's return is tempered by the tough news regarding his rotation-mate, Bryce Miller. The right-hander, also battling elbow inflammation, received a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection to treat a bone spur. While surgery is off the table for now, the timeline for his return is a gut punch: he's not expected back until after the All-Star break. This makes Gilbert's health and performance paramount. What was once a daunting one-two punch is now a one-man show for the time being, placing immense pressure on Gilbert to anchor the staff through the summer.
While the pitching staff deals with its ups and downs, shortstop J.P. Crawford is simply on another planet. The Mariners' captain is in the midst of an unbelievable hot streak, batting a scorching .434 over his last 14 games. It's not just empty singles, either; he's racked up seven extra-base hits and has shown incredible plate discipline with 12 walks against just five strikeouts. His recent grand slam against the Guardians was a reminder of his game-changing impact, prompting even opposing managers to marvel at his performance.
More help for the lineup could be just days away. First baseman and outfielder Luke Raley, out since late April with a right oblique strain, has begun his rehab assignment with the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers. The plan is for him to play at least a few more games down on the farm, with a potential return to the big-league club as soon as this coming weekend. His power bat would be a welcome addition to a lineup that needs all the firepower it can get.
With Logan Gilbert back on the mound, there's a renewed sense of stability for the Mariners' pitching staff, a feeling desperately needed with Miller on the shelf for the long haul. The key now is whether the offense, led by the incandescent J.P. Crawford and potentially bolstered by Luke Raley's return this weekend, can provide consistent support. The rest of this series against Boston is a massive test. One ace is back, the captain is locked in—now it's time to stack some wins.
