For a month, the Seattle Mariners have been forced to move forward without one of their most important players. Now, they appear ready to get him back.
According to reports, catcher Cal Raleigh is expected to be reinstated from the injured list and return to Seattle’s lineup Tuesday when the Mariners continue their series against the Baltimore Orioles. Raleigh has been sidelined since May 13 after suffering an oblique injury, forcing the club to navigate a critical stretch of the season without its starting catcher.
A Difficult Mariners Start Before the Injury
The timing of Raleigh’s return comes after what had already been an extremely challenging opening to the season. After finishing second to Aaron Judge in the 2025 American League MVP race, Raleigh entered 2026 with significant expectations attached to his name.
Instead, the veteran catcher endured one of the roughest offensive stretches of his career. Before going on the injured list, Raleigh appeared in 34 games and hit just .161 while collecting seven home runs and 18 RBIs. The struggles became even more noticeable during a remarkable 0-for-38 hitless streak that stretched across multiple games.
That drought finally ended on May 12, just one day before Raleigh was sidelined. In a moment that drew attention around baseball, Raleigh later revealed he showered while still wearing his full uniform after snapping the skid, hoping a little superstition might help reverse his fortunes at the plate.
Mariners Filled the Gap Behind the Plate
While Raleigh recovered, Seattle turned to Jhonny Pereda and Mitch Garver to handle the catching duties. Both players helped keep the position covered during his absence, but replacing Raleigh’s overall value was never going to be easy.
Beyond his offensive production, Raleigh serves as one of the club’s key defensive leaders. His ability to manage the pitching staff, control the running game, and provide power from the catcher position has made him one of the most important pieces on Seattle’s roster over the past several seasons.
The Mariners managed to stay afloat despite the injury, a testament to their depth and consistency throughout the first half of the season.
First-Place Mariners Welcome Reinforcements
Seattle entered Monday holding first place in the American League West, putting the club in a strong position as the summer months approach. Even with the division lead, the Mariners understand that adding a player of Raleigh’s caliber back into the lineup could provide a significant boost.
The organization hopes that time away allowed Raleigh to fully recover physically while also giving him a chance to reset after his difficult start. If he can return to anything close to the form that made him an MVP runner-up a season ago, Seattle’s lineup immediately becomes more dangerous.
With a divisional race still ahead and postseason ambitions firmly intact, the Mariners are set to welcome back one of their most important players at a pivotal point in the season. Raleigh’s return may not erase the struggles of the season’s first month, but it gives Seattle a valuable opportunity to strengthen its roster for the challenges that lie ahead.
