CHICAGO -- Seattle workhorse right-hander George Kirby is expected to start and make his season debut on Thursday night when the Mariners open a four-game series in Houston.
Kirby has been on the injured list since March 24 with inflammation in his throwing shoulder. The 27-year-old's return should help bolster the Mariners' rotation that remains without Opening Day starter Logan Gilbert, who's working back from a flexor strain in his right forearm.