Cal Raleigh Shines with Grand Slam in Rehab Game for Tacoma Rainiers

Cal Raleigh made a triumphant return to the field, showcasing his power during a rehab outing with the Tacoma Rainiers. The Seattle Mariners' catcher launched two home runs, including a dramatic grand slam, contributing to a commanding 15-3 victory over the Triple-A Albuquerque at Cheney Stadium on Tuesday.

“I had a really good last week down in Arizona,” Raleigh remarked on May 31, reflecting on his time at Seattle’s spring training facility. “A lot of positive signs, and I’m really excited to be back here.” The 29-year-old was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a right oblique strain on May 14, and after starting his rehab with High-A Everett, he joined the Rainiers for their series against Albuquerque.

Raleigh, affectionately nicknamed “Big Dumper,” wasted no time in making an impact. He smacked a two-run home run on the very first pitch he faced in the opening inning, sending a cutter from Erasmo Ramirez over the right field fence. Later, with the bases loaded in the fifth inning, he connected with a low change-up for a grand slam, extending Tacoma’s lead to 12-2.

In addition to his two homers, Raleigh had a productive night at the plate, finishing 2-for-3 with two runs scored and six RBIs. He is on track to potentially rejoin the Mariners by as early as next week.

“It’s really hard watching the (Mariners) on TV. Not being there, it’s a Twilight Zone kind of feeling,” he expressed. “I think it makes you appreciate it a little more when you’re that far away and you realize you don’t get to do it every day, what you love.” This season, Raleigh has a batting average of .161, with seven home runs and 18 RBIs in 41 games for Seattle.