George Kirby's recent struggles have been a fascinating yet frustrating development for the Seattle Mariners. The once-promising pitcher, who was favored to earn an All-Star bid, has seen his ERA skyrocket from 2.84 to 4.04 over his past four starts. What's particularly intriguing is that it's not just hard contact that's been a problem, but rather the volume of contact. Kirby, who has given up just three homers during this stretch, is now facing a .330 batting average and an .870 OPS against him. This raises a deeper question: how can a pitcher with such a low home run rate be struggling so badly? One thing that immediately stands out is the impact of defensive lapses. The Mariners' fielders have made some questionable plays, such as a missed catch and a botched double play, which have put Kirby in a difficult position. However, the real issue lies in Kirby's inability to get ahead in the count. He's been falling behind early, which throws off the rest of the at-bat and makes it harder for him to get swing-and-miss. This is particularly concerning given that Kirby has never been an elite strikeout artist. In my opinion, the Mariners need to re-evaluate their strategy and find a way to help Kirby get ahead in the count. They may need to make some adjustments to their defensive strategy as well. It's also worth noting that even elite starters go through rough spells over the course of a long season. Kirby is currently in one of those spells, but I believe he's nearing answers for how to get out of it. The Mariners need to stay patient and continue to support him, as he has the talent to turn things around. Overall, Kirby's struggles have been a reminder that even the best pitchers can have off days. It's up to the Mariners to help him get back on track and find a way to turn things around.
