Mariners’ Cal Raleigh Not in Lineup for Yankees Series Opener

This article digs into Seattle Mariners manager Dan Wilson’s call to give All-Star catcher Cal Raleigh an early day off in the first game of a three-game series with the New York Yankees. It also explores what this move says about Seattle’s approach to workload management, lineup balance, and staying competitive early in the season.

Cal Raleigh sits to manage workload ahead of Yankees series

Cal Raleigh didn’t start for the Mariners in Game 1 against the Yankees. Wilson wants to prioritize rest for Raleigh after a short spring training and back-to-back games in the Cleveland series.

Raleigh might still show up as a pinch-hitter, so the rest is both physical and mental. Wilson made it clear: the plan is to reset Raleigh’s workload, but not at the cost of the team’s offensive potential.

Raleigh’s early numbers have been rough. He’s 2-for-15 with a double, three walks, and 10 strikeouts in 18 plate appearances during Seattle’s four-game set with the Guardians.

The heart of Seattle’s order—Raleigh, Julio Rodríguez, and Josh Naylor—hasn’t found its rhythm yet. They’ve combined to go 3-for-45 with nine walks and 19 strikeouts in 54 plate appearances, and Naylor is still searching for his first hit.

Wilson pointed out that slow starts happen. He mentioned Raleigh’s slow offensive pace last season before he turned things around and had a strong year.

Still, Raleigh’s Strikeout Rate jumps off the page as the most concerning part of his early-season numbers. That’s got to be on everyone’s mind.

With left-hander Ryan Weathers pitching for New York, Seattle gets a chance to tweak its lineup. The Mariners can use Rob Refsnyder as the designated hitter and put Mitch Garver behind the plate.

Refsnyder’s presence, along with a deeper bench, gives Seattle the flexibility to give Raleigh a true rest day. They don’t have to sacrifice much on offense to do it.

Wilson said the timing for Raleigh’s day off made sense, especially with a shortened spring and more roster depth. There’s just less need to use Raleigh as a DH this early in the season.

Strategic implications for Seattle vs. the Yankees

• Lineup flexibility and depth — Refsnyder steps in as DH, and Garver gets the nod behind the plate. This gives Seattle a lineup that can still push for offense, even if Raleigh isn’t starting.
• Workload management — Giving Raleigh some early-season rest helps keep him healthy and fresh. He’s coming off a short spring and facing a tough schedule.
• Pinch-hit possibilities — Raleigh might still get called on to pinch-hit. That way, his bat stays in play for clutch, late-inning situations without making him catch the whole game.
• Pitcher-hitting dynamics — With Weathers starting for the Yankees, Seattle can pivot to switch-hitters or right-handed bats. It’s all about getting the best matchups if Raleigh sits.
• Offensive balance — The plan tries to keep the middle of the order dangerous. At the same time, the team avoids burning out its catcher so early in the season.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Cal Raleigh not in lineup for Seattle Mariners for first game of Yankees series