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Logan Gilbert expresses cautious optimism following his initial rehab start in Tacoma, indicating a potential return to Major League Baseball action.

Injured Mariners pitcher Logan Gilbert, who's been out since late April with a right flexor strain, made his comeback on the mound in Tacoma for his initial rehab assignment.

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Major League Baseball pitcher Logan Gilbert, who has been sidelined since late April due to a right...
Major League Baseball pitcher Logan Gilbert, who has been sidelined since late April due to a right flexor strain, resumed pitching on Thursday in Tacoma for his initial rehabilitation assignment.

Logan Gilbert expresses cautious optimism following his initial rehab start in Tacoma, indicating a potential return to Major League Baseball action.

Logan Gilbert Advances in Mariners' Injury Comeback as He Tackles Rehab Start

TACOMA, WA - A young enthusiast, sporting a Julio Rodríguez jersey, eagerly awaited his chance to interact with Logan Gilbert outside the Cheney Stadium home clubhouse Thursday. "What's the best pitch you've ever thrown?" ten-year-old Kingston Cline inquired, eyeing the Mariners' 6-foot-6 ace.

"The best pitch... like, ever?" Gilbert prompted, eliciting a nod from the youngster. "I struck out Judge once. So that was pretty cool," Gilbert said, referencing the Yankees star, Aaron Judge.

As for his performance on the pitching mound, Gilbert's rehab start wasn't his sharpest. The All-Star hurler, on the sidelines since April 26 due to a right flexor strain in his elbow, is yet to be ready for another showdown with Judge.

Nonetheless, Gilbert expressed optimism, stating, "As far as health goes... it's pretty optimistic." After a 45-pitch outing, Gilbert permitted two hits, issued two walks, and registered three strikeouts. His pitch limit was reached in 1.2 innings, needing 28 pitches to navigate the first inning.

Excited about his arm response, Gilbert mixed in several curveballs and split-fingered fastballs. The splitter, a pitch of interest, was thrown without issues Thursday night. The splitter may be under scrutiny, as some suggest the pitch could add stress to a pitcher's forearm. Gilbert had increased the use of his splitter throughout the initial month of the season, up to 21.2%.

Prior to the game, Gilbert played catch with Justin Novak, one of the Mariners' bullpen catchers. After going through his regular routine at T-Mobile Park with other Mariners pitchers, Novak drove down Interstate 5 to Tacoma, threw with Gilbert, then returned to Seattle for his usual duties during the game against the Washington Nationals.

Gilbert is slated to make at least one more rehab start with Triple-A Tacoma next week. He aims to extend his pitch count to 60 in that matchup and hopes to rejoin the Mariners roster afterwards. With George Kirby already back from the injured list and Bryce Miller scheduled to return this weekend, the Mariners' starting rotation is nearing full strength.

"I'm really excited," Gilbert said, expressing anticipation for the future.

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  • Seattle's Logan Gilbert is set to make at least one more rehab start with Triple-A Tacoma, aiming to extend his pitch count to 60 and rejoin the Mariners' MLB roster.
  • In a recent outing, Logan Gilbert mixed in several curveballs and split-fingered fastballs, as he builds towards his return to the Mariners' starting rotation.
  • Despite a right flexor strain in his elbow, which kept him sidelined since April 26, Logan Gilbert expressed optimism about his health and progress in his rehab.

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