Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said Friday on MLB Network that he's "hopeful" Kirby (shoulder) will rejoin the rotation before the end of May, Shannon Drayer of SeattleSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kirby has been ramping up his throwing without issue and could begin a rehab assignment as soon as this weekend. The right-hander will make "at least two, maybe three" rehab starts, per Dipoto. Kirby has been working his way back from right shoulder inflammation, an injury that first cropped up in early March.