The first of many gut punches for the Mariners on Thursday night came 35 minutes before first pitch, when Julio Rodríguez was scratched with back tightness. The final blow was a scary off-the-field injury scare,

George Kirby’s return to the mound ended in a loss and Julio Rodríguez was scratched from the lineup as the Mariners were thumped by the Astros.

Seattle's George Kirby didn't get the results he wanted in his season debut against the Houston Astros but was still encouraged in his return to the mound after a lengthy absence.