Gilbert, the Mariners\u2019 opening day starter, has been on the injured list since April 26 with a flexor strain in his right elbow.<\/p>\n
The 2024 All-Star right-hander has already made two rehab starts with Triple-A Tacoma. His latest came on Wednesday night, when he allowed two runs and five hits over three-plus innings<\/a> before reaching his 60-pitch limit.<\/p>\n Wilson said Gilbert is slated to fly from Anaheim back to Seattle on Sunday in advance of his next rehab start. Tacoma opens a six-game series against Sacramento on Tuesday at Cheney Stadium.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019ll make another rehab start, and from there we\u2019ll continue to reassess,\u201d Wilson said. \u201c\u2026 Just making sure he\u2019s at a good spot and a good pitch count and ready to roll. I think (it\u2019s) wanting to be in a position where we\u2019re comfortable with where he\u2019s going.\u201d<\/p>\n In Wednesday\u2019s rehab start<\/a>, Gilbert\u2019s four-seam fastball regularly sat around 95-96 mph and touched 96.8 mph in the first inning. Gilbert\u2019s velocity dipped to 93.7 mph on his final two fastballs of the night, but Wilson said Thursday morning<\/a> that the 28-year-old ace \u201cfelt great\u201d and that there was \u201cnothing lingering\u201d after his outing.<\/p>\n \u201cI think he felt good about his velo and where he was,\u201d Wilson said. \u201cSo I think, all in all, another good rehab outing for him.\u201d<\/p>\n When Gilbert returns to the rotation, 26-year-old right-hander Emerson Hancock is the most likely starter to be sent down to the minors. Hancock has pitched well lately, posting a 2.91 ERA over his past four starts. He has 16 strikeouts and six walks in 21 2\/3 innings over that span.<\/p>\n Wilson was asked Friday whether Hancock\u2019s recent success played a role in the decision to have Gilbert make at least one more rehab start.<\/p>\n Wilson said it was more about ensuring Gilbert is ready to go.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of things we weigh, and obviously I think the main goal here is Logan\u2019s health and making sure he\u2019s ready to go and in a good position,\u201d Wilson said. \u201cSo that\u2019s really what\u2019s on our mind.<\/p>\n \u201cObviously, Emerson has done a fantastic job as he\u2019s gotten his opportunities here to pitch, so that\u2019s been a huge step forward for Emerson. But at the same time, I think Logan\u2019s situation is independent of that.\u201d<\/p>\n Seattle Mariners coverage<\/p>\n \u2022 M\u2019s Roster Moves: One reliever back from IL, another DFA\u2019d for 6th time<\/a>
\u2022\u00a0M\u2019s RHP Bryce Miller explains why he pitched through elbow trouble<\/a>
\u2022\u00a0Seattle Mariners star Cal Raleigh: \u2018100 percent\u2019 would do HR Derby<\/a>
\u2022\u00a0Seattle Mariners are losing identity that made offense thrive<\/a>
\u2022\u00a0Ranking the Seattle Mariners\u2019 trade deadline needs by position<\/a><\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/SeattleSportsEmail-830x100-1.jpg\")
\t