Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh remained out of the lineup for a second consecutive game as he continues to deal with soreness in his right side, an issue the team is monitoring closely while awaiting the results of medical imaging.
Raleigh is currently considered day-to-day, and while the Mariners have not placed him on the injured list, they are taking a cautious approach before determining whether additional action is necessary. The star catcher underwent imaging on his side after the discomfort persisted longer than expected, with MRI results still pending.
Raleigh explained that the decision to sit out is largely precautionary, as both he and the organization want to prevent a minor issue from becoming something more serious.
He emphasized that because the core muscles are constantly engaged in nearly every baseball movement—whether hitting, throwing, catching, or even simply rotating behind the plate—an injury in that area can easily worsen if not managed properly. Rather than risk aggravating the soreness and potentially turning a short-term issue into a lengthy absence, the Mariners have opted to be conservative.
Importantly, Raleigh said there was no single play or obvious moment that caused the discomfort. He did not point to a particular swing, throw, catch, or foul tip as the source of the pain. Instead, the soreness appeared gradually and initially felt like routine fatigue before lingering enough to raise concern.
Mariners manager Dan Wilson confirmed that the team is waiting on MRI results before deciding the next step. Once the club receives a clearer medical assessment, it will determine whether Raleigh can return soon or if a more extended absence may be necessary.
Despite the uncertainty, Raleigh expressed optimism about his progress. He said he felt significantly better upon waking up and noted that the soreness has steadily improved since it first appeared after Friday’s game. His comments suggested encouragement that the issue may be minor, though the team is still being careful.
Wilson echoed that optimism, saying Raleigh continues to improve and will test the injury to see how his body responds. Still, the Mariners are not rushing their catcher back onto the field.
Seattle’s cautious handling makes sense given the nature of the injury. Side and oblique issues can be particularly troublesome for baseball players, often becoming more severe if a player returns too soon. The Mariners have seen firsthand how tricky those injuries can be, and with Raleigh serving as one of the team’s most important players, there is little reason to take unnecessary risks in early May.
Raleigh acknowledged the bigger picture, noting that while he wants to play, the season is still young and preserving his health for the long term matters more than forcing his way into the lineup for a few games.
For now, the Mariners appear hopeful the injury is minor, but they will continue monitoring Raleigh closely until the imaging results arrive and a clearer timetable can be established. His status remains day-to-day as Seattle prioritizes caution with one of its cornerstone players.
Leave a Reply