Seattle Mariners' star catcher, Cal Raleigh, has officially rejoined the active roster after a recuperation period following a right oblique strain. His return marks a significant moment for the team as they prepare to take on the Baltimore Orioles. Raleigh's re-entry is anticipated to invigorate the Mariners' offensive capabilities, especially given his remarkable performance in the previous season.
Raleigh's last appearance on the field was on May 13th. This season, he has been batting .161 with seven home runs and 18 RBIs across 41 games. His activation from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday afternoon concludes his inaugural stint on the IL, a relief for both the player and the team.
Last year, Raleigh distinguished himself with one of the most exceptional seasons ever recorded by a catcher in major league baseball. He secured a second-place finish in the American League MVP voting, trailing only Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees. His historical achievements included hitting a franchise-best 60 home runs, a record for any catcher and for a switch-hitter.
The 29-year-old catcher also accumulated 125 RBIs and was honored with the Silver Slugger Award. He commenced the All-Star Game and became the first catcher to win the Home Run Derby, further solidifying his status as a premier player in the league. This is Raleigh's sixth season in the major leagues, having first joined the Mariners in 2021.
In other team news, the Seattle Mariners also welcomed back shortstop J.P. Crawford, who had been sidelined due to a right hand contusion. To accommodate these roster changes, catcher Jhonny Pereda has been assigned to Triple-A Tacoma. Crawford, 31, sustained his injury on June 5th when he was hit by a pitch from Detroit Tigers left-hander Framber Valdez. This season, Crawford is batting .228 with 10 home runs and 23 RBIs in 55 games. He is currently in his eighth season with the Mariners and his tenth overall in the majors. Pereda, 30, posted a .270 batting average with two home runs and four RBIs in 19 games with Seattle this season. He is notably remembered for striking out Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers in May 2025 while pitching in a mop-up role for the Athletics during a significant loss.
Cal Raleigh's return to the Seattle Mariners' active roster, following his recovery from a right oblique strain, is poised to provide a substantial boost to the team's performance. His rejoining the lineup, alongside shortstop J.P. Crawford, signals a strengthened roster as the Mariners look to improve their standing in the league. The club and its fans anticipate that Raleigh's proven capabilities will once again shine, contributing significantly to their pursuit of success.
