George Kirby is letting hitters run wild

In a recent game, Seattle Mariners' starting pitcher George Kirby has become a focal point regarding his ability to control the running game. Initially considered among the worst at preventing runners from advancing, Kirby has seen a significant improvement this season. After being one of the slowest starting pitchers in terms of pitch tempo, Kirby has managed to enhance his performance, ranking within the bottom 6% of MLB pitchers, alongside teammate Bryce Miller.

While Kirby's pitch tempo, at 18.6 seconds, has contributed to his susceptibility to the running game, his overall improvement in striking out batters and limiting walks has led to more runners reaching base. This, in turn, has turned into costly opportunities for opposing teams. One notable example was during a game against the A's when Kirby's inability to prevent a runner on second base resulted in a two-run rally for the A's.

Kirby attributes his struggles to controlling the running game to his large leg kick, which might limit his effectiveness in this area. However, he has been working on his mental approach, focusing more on the present at-bat rather than dwelling on the runner on base. Maintaining this balance is crucial for Kirby, as giving up free runs can have detrimental effects on the Mariners' performance.