Mariners Welcome Back All-Star Catcher Cal Raleigh from Injured List

Cal Raleigh has returned to the Seattle Mariners, as the team activated their All-Star catcher from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday, just in time for the start of their homestand against the Baltimore Orioles. Alongside Raleigh, shortstop J.P. Crawford was also reinstated after recovering from a right-hand contusion.

The 26-year-old Raleigh had been sidelined since May 14 due to a right oblique strain, marking the first time in his career he has spent time on the injured list. His injury occurred during a game against the Houston Astros, just one day after he ended a troubling 0-for-38 batting slump.

This time off may have provided Raleigh with a necessary opportunity to regroup. Prior to his injury, he struggled significantly, posting a batting average of just .161 over 41 games, a stark contrast to his previous season, where he delivered one of the finest offensive performances by a catcher in history. Reflecting on his time away from the field, Raleigh described it as “productive,” demonstrating his readiness by hitting five home runs in just four games during a rehab stint with Triple-A Tacoma.

Last season, Raleigh was a finalist for the American League MVP award, finishing second to Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees. He set records by hitting 60 home runs, the highest total for a catcher and a switch hitter. The Mariners are eager to see him return to that form, especially as their offense has been underwhelming throughout the season. With a ranking near the bottom in run production and struggles from key players like Julio Rodriguez and Josh Naylor, the team has relied heavily on its pitching staff. As of Tuesday night, the Mariners held a record of 37-36 and were in first place in the AL West, looking to bolster their lineup with Raleigh's return.