SouthernWorldwide.com – The Seattle Mariners’ star catcher, Cal Raleigh, who experienced a dream season last year, is now facing a nightmare campaign in 2026. His difficult season took another turn Thursday when he was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a right oblique strain.
Raleigh sustained the injury during the Mariners’ 4-3 loss to the Houston Astros. He appeared to aggravate a pre-existing issue on his right side during the game, leading to his departure.
This injury marks the first time in Raleigh’s six-year career that he has been placed on the injured list. He had previously missed three games in early May with soreness in the same area.
The timing of this injury is particularly unfortunate for Raleigh, who had just recently broken a significant hitting drought. On Tuesday, he snapped a major league-leading hitless streak of 0-38 during the Mariners’ 10-2 victory over the Astros, managing to get two singles.
Last season, Raleigh enjoyed a remarkable year, hitting .247 with an impressive 60 home runs and 125 RBIs in 159 games. His home run total set a new record for most home runs by a catcher in a single season, surpassing Salvador Perez’s previous record of 48.
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Furthermore, Raleigh’s 60 home runs also broke Mickey Mantle’s long-standing record of 55 for most home runs in a season by a switch-hitter. He also established a new Mariners franchise record for home runs in a season, surpassing Ken Griffey Jr.’s previous mark of 56.
However, this current season has been a stark contrast to his previous success. In 41 games played this season, Raleigh’s performance has significantly dipped.
He is currently batting .161 with seven home runs, 18 RBIs, four doubles, 18 walks, and 16 runs scored. His .161 batting average is the second-lowest in the majors among qualified hitters.
Only Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Cedric Mullins, with a .150 average, has a lower batting average among qualified players.
To address Raleigh’s absence from the active roster, the Mariners have recalled catcher Jhonny Pereda from their Triple-A affiliate, Tacoma.
