Cal Raleigh is awaiting MRI results after right-side discomfort kept him out. Mariners are weighing next steps, including an IL stint.
Cal Raleigh’s availability for the Mariners just turned into a waiting game, with the catcher sidelined again as he awaits MRI results tied to right-side discomfort.
Seattle said Raleigh missed the lineup for a second straight day. while the team focuses on what the imaging will clarify.. The American League MVP runner-up described himself as “feeling a lot better” ahead of the series finale against Kansas City. but emphasized the situation remains early and depends on how his body responds in the immediate term.
In this context, the Mariners appear to be leaning toward caution rather than speed. Even when a player feels improved, teams often treat side issues seriously because symptoms can shift, linger, or resurface.
Raleigh noted that the discomfort began after Friday’s loss. though he didn’t point to a single swing or moment that triggered it.. He also said the club’s decision-making process has centered on listening to the training staff and handling the recovery conservatively.. With the calendar still in May. the choice to take one or two days can be as much about long-term durability as it is about today’s lineup.
That cautious approach matters even more for a catcher. and Raleigh’s two-sided hitting stance adds another layer to the calculus.. The position is physically demanding. and the core-based movements involved in both catching and batting can make even a small tweak something the team wants fully resolved.
Meanwhile, Seattle is managing the immediate gap behind Raleigh. Mitch Garver started recently, and Jhonny Pereda was brought in after Raleigh was scratched, with the club relying on a limited catching group on the 40-man roster.
This is also the first time Raleigh has dealt with a side-related issue severe enough to keep him out. but the Mariners haven’t ignored recent reminders that similar problems can take time.. The organization is already without other players dealing with long-running injury stories. which only increases the value of getting this one right from the start.
At the plate. Raleigh had been finding momentum before the scratch. including more recent power and improved production after a slower stretch earlier in the season.. Still. the bigger priority for the Mariners right now is what the MRI shows and whether they can keep the recovery from turning into something more drawn out.
For Seattle, the next 24 to 48 hours carry weight beyond just one game, because how the team handles this moment can set the tone for the weeks ahead. A clear plan now can help reduce the risk of repeat setbacks later.