The Seattle Mariners face a significant setback ahead of the 2024 season as starting pitcher George Kirby deals with right shoulder inflammation, likely leading to a stint on the injured list. General manager Justin Hollander has indicated Kirby could miss at least the first 10 days of the season, requiring the Mariners to find a temporary replacement in their rotation. Emerson Hancock is expected to step in for Kirby during his absence. Hancock, who struggled during early spring training with an 8.10 ERA over 3.1 innings, has been working to refine his pitch arsenal, particularly developing a new sweeper. His performance against the Los Angeles Dodgers will be crucial as he looks to secure a more permanent rotation spot until Kirby’s return.