It’s the first step for Gilbert as he attempts to make it back to Seattle’s rotation by the end of May. The 27-year-old fantasy ace hit the injured list back on April 26 with a right elbow flexor strain. There should be some clarity on his status once he gets a couple bullpen sessions under his belt.

He said the same for George Kirby, who has been out all year with shoulder inflammation. Gilbert was diagnosed with a ‘mild’ flexor strain, and the hope is that two weeks without throwing will result in him being able to return; likely after a rehab start or two. Flexor strains have a wide variety of recovery times, so while fantasy managers should be optimistic by the initial results, it’s far from a guarantee he’s pitching before June.

Gilbert underwent an MRI that revealed the strain after leaving Friday’s game against the Marlins. The 27-year-old right-hander will be out of action for at least two weeks, and flexor strain’s typically lead to longer stints on the injured list than a minimum stay. The Mariners will need to add a new starter to the group, and that could be an arm like Logan Evans.

MLB.com’s Daniel Kramer reports a source with knowledge of the situation says initial medical reviews revealed “modest” but “not zero” concern, and there’s optimism Gilbert’s UCL is still intact. There should be some much-needed clarity regarding his status following an MRI this weekend. The 27-year-old fantasy ace, who has never required a trip to the injured list since breaking into the majors back in 2021, was removed from Friday’s start against the Marlins with forearm tightness after three scoreless innings. We’ll have additional updates and more information on this situation as it develops.