George Kirby

Kirby resumed throwing last week after two weeks off to rest his shoulder. The Mariners haven't indicated when he'll begin a rehab assignment, but it's possible he could return from the injured list before the end of April.

No real surprises for the Mariners as Castillo, Bryce Miller and Bryan Woo will follow Opening Day starter Logan Gilbert kick off the season with tasty matchups against the rebuilding Athletics. It'll be Emerson Hancock, who is filling in for an injured George Kirby (shoulder) drawing the starting assignment for Monday's series opener against the upstart Tigers.

Kirby (shoulder) made 20 throws from 60 feet Friday and will expand his throwing distance to 75 feet Saturday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Kirby is going to open the season on the 15-day injured list with inflammation in his right shoulder, but it's nice to see the 27-year-old throwing. The Mariners have described Kirby's placement on the IL as precautionary, so assuming no issues in his recovery, there's a great chance he's throwing strikes for Seattle by the time May comes along.

Kirby (shoulder) played catch with a trainer for a few minutes Friday, Shannon Drayer of SeattleSports.com reports.