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How serious is Logan Gilbert's forearm tightness?
Logan Gilbert, the talented right-handed pitcher for the Seattle Mariners, recently experienced a concerning moment during his game against the Miami Marlins. After starting the game on a high note, needing only 29 pitches to breeze through three perfect innings, Gilbert exited abruptly with right forearm tightness. This news has left fans and analysts alike pondering the implications for this season and beyond.
During the game, Gilbert exhibited signs of diminished velocity on his pitches, a factor that often raises red flags for pitchers. His four-seam fastball, which typically averages around 95.6 mph, was notably slower, peaking at 96.1 mph but dropping to as low as 93 mph during the outing. The drop in velocity is concerning; however, initial evaluations indicated "modest" but not catastrophic issues, suggesting that his UCL may still be intact, a detail that provides some relief for the Mariners' fanbase.
Following the game, Gilbert expressed his disappointment candidly. He noted that he takes pride in his durability and dependability on the mound, having never been placed on the injured list since his debut in May 2021. His resilience has become a hallmark of his young career, making this sudden injury even more disheartening for him personally. "I can't control all of that. But I've been healthy and never really came out of a start. I think this is the first one," Gilbert reflected after the game.
In the lead-up to this game, Gilbert had been performing remarkably well, holding a 2.63 ERA and leading Major League Baseball starters in strikeout percentage. His ability to strike out opposing hitters and keep runs to a minimum had made him a key asset for the Mariners, who have relied heavily on his performances this season. However, despite his solid metrics and high hopes for the season, he has struggled to pitch deep into games, having only completed the sixth inning twice. This development could become critical as the Mariners aim for a strong showing in the competitive AL West.
The Mariners are already facing challenges with another key pitcher, George Kirby, who is on the Injured List due to shoulder inflammation. With Gilbert’s status uncertain pending an MRI, the Mariners’ rotation may experience further strain. For fans of the team, the potential of missing out on Gilbert’s contributions for an extended period is certainly a cause for concern.
What does this mean for Gilbert moving forward? The waiting game for MRI results can be agonizing for both the player and the team. Gilbert himself remains optimistic, stating, "I’ve got a lot of faith. God’s got a plan. I trust in that. I think it’ll be all right. I think it could be a lot, lot worse." This resilient mindset, combined with the Mariners’ hope for a positive outcome from the MRI, gives reason to stay optimistic about his return to the mound.
In conclusion, while Logan Gilbert’s recent experience with forearm tightness raises considerable concern, there is some hope in the initial evaluations. Mariners fans will be eagerly awaiting the results of his MRI and will be keeping their fingers crossed that this promising pitcher can return to form quickly. The Mariners rely heavily on his talent and durability, and the future of their season may hinge on his health.
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