Full Breakdown
Cal Raleigh Returns to Mariners Lineup After Oblique Injury
6/16/2026, 7:15:01 AM
Return to the Active Roster
Seattle’s All-Star catcher Cal Raleigh will be activated on Tuesday for the series opener against the Baltimore Orioles, ending a 10-day IL stint that began on May 14 with a right oblique strain.
Background and Recent Performance
Raleigh came into 2026 after a record 2025 in which he hit 60 home runs—the most ever by a catcher or switch-hitter—and finished second in AL MVP voting. By late May his line had fallen to .161/.243/.317 with seven homers in 41 games, including a 0-for-38 stretch, a long hitless streak for the franchise.
Timeline
Raleigh went on the IL on May 14, began rehab swings on May 29, hit five home runs in four Tacoma games from May 30 to June 4, and is slated to return on June 10.
Key Statistics
2025: 60 HR (MLB record for catcher/switch-hitter). 2026 pre-IL: .161/.243/.317, 7 HR, 18 RBI in 41 games. Rehab: .412/.500/.1.294, 5 HR, 12 RBI in five games (other reports 7-for-17, 5 HR). Mariners: 37-36 overall; 16-13 (or 15-16) without Raleigh. AL West: one-game lead.
Official Team Comments
Logan Gilbert said Raleigh need not be a ‘Superman’ and that recent wins give him freedom to play naturally. Mitch Garver suggested easing him into the five-hole before moving him up. Manager Dan Wilson noted the injury load and said J.P. Crawford and Jhonny Pereda will be optioned.
Criticism and Concerns
Analysts note Raleigh’s .161 line and 0-for-38 slump show his power has not returned. Gilbert warned the team must “circle up around him” to avoid isolation and excess pressure as Seattle guards its narrow AL West lead.
Conflicting Reports
Seattle Times lists the Mariners’ record without Raleigh as 16-13; Athlon Sports reports 15-16. Rehab stats differ: ESPN gives a .412/.500/.1.294 line with five homers and 12 RBI, while Sportsnet cites a 7-for-17 line with five homers and two walks. No clarification has been provided.
Impact on Seattle
Raleigh’s return adds middle-of-lineup power, which could boost run production and help preserve Seattle’s one-game AL West lead. It also eases backup catcher Jhonny Pereda’s workload and adds depth while the club manages injuries to J.P. Crawford, Randy Arozarena and Josh Naylor.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Obviously, getting healthy was No. 1,” — Cal Raleigh, catcher
- “It's definitely been exciting to be back in uniform and playing.” — Cal Raleigh
- “He doesn’t have to be Superman.” — Logan Gilbert, starting pitcher
- “I’d encourage our team to stick him in the middle of the lineup,” — Mitch Garver, veteran catcher
Upcoming Outlook
Raleigh will start in the five-hole on Tuesday. Seattle will monitor his performance before possibly moving him up the order as the series with the Orioles continues and the AL West race tightens.
