Cal Raleigh Scratched from Mariners Lineup Before Loss

The following post breaks down the Seattle Mariners’ late-night development surrounding Cal Raleigh’s scratch from the lineup. It covers the ensuing lineup shuffles against the Kansas City Royals and the roster moves that could shape Seattle’s catching depth in the weeks ahead.

Cal Raleigh sidelined with general soreness

The Mariners announced that Cal Raleigh was a late scratch from Saturday night’s lineup due to general soreness. Manager Dan Wilson said Raleigh was day-to-day and would undergo imaging.

Raleigh was supposed to bat second and start behind the plate, but he came out just over an hour before first pitch. The Royals didn’t give much away in a 3-2, 10-inning win, and Seattle’s lack of catching depth really showed.

Raleigh’s absence feels like another tough break after a rough start to his season. He finished as the AL MVP runner-up last year—crushing 60 homers and driving in 125—but now he’s stumbled to a .186 average with seven homers and 18 RBIs through 33 games in 2024.

Still, there’s a little hope. Five of those seven homers have come in the last 15 games, so maybe he’s finally finding his swing again, if his health holds up.

Lineup shakeups and roster moves

With Raleigh out, Seattle bumped center fielder Julio Rodríguez into the No. 2 spot, hoping to spark something at the top of the order. Backup catcher Mitch Garver slid into the eighth spot and handled things behind the plate, giving Seattle a steady option as they grind through the season.

To patch the roster, the Mariners called up catcher Jhonny Pereda from Triple-A Tacoma. They also put infielder Will Wilson on the 10-day injured list retroactive to Thursday with a left thumb fracture, which just piles on more pressure for Seattle’s infield and catching crew right now.

What Raleigh’s absence means for Seattle’s offense and depth

• Lineup flexibility: Moving Rodríguez to the two-hole shows the club isn’t afraid to shake things up if it keeps the offense afloat without Raleigh’s bat in the middle.
• Catching depth matters: Garver and Pereda give Seattle a workable pair behind the dish, at least for now, as the rotation adjusts without its usual anchor.
• Infield trajectory: Will Wilson’s injury leaves a hole that Pereda and others will have to help fill, which might shift defensive alignments or even pinch-hit choices in close games.
• Roster cadence: An IL stint and a new call-up can change how the bullpen and starters are used, especially if Raleigh’s “day-to-day” stretches longer than anyone wants.

Raleigh’s arc: past MVP glory, present challenge, future potential

Raleigh’s 2023 season still hangs over the franchise—a near-MVP run, all that power, all those runs. This year’s slump just reminds you how fragile things can get, even for a guy with serious pop. But with five homers in his last 15 games, maybe he’s about to turn a corner if his body lets him.

The coaching staff will keep a close eye on him, trying to balance the lineup’s immediate needs with the bigger goal: getting Raleigh back to his best behind the plate. It’s a tricky spot, honestly, and nobody’s pretending otherwise.

Looking ahead: what this means for Seattle

The Mariners now have to navigate Raleigh’s health situation. They’re leaning on depth behind the plate and in the infield, hoping to keep the offense rolling with Rodríguez and whoever else can step up.

Imaging results and ongoing evaluations will shape how long Raleigh stays “day-to-day.” Roster moves—like what Pereda, Garver, and Wilson bring to the table—could really shift Seattle’s performance in the next stretch.

Seattle’s season still feels like a test of resilience. Catching depth and offensive consistency are under the microscope.

If Raleigh comes back strong, the Mariners might finally settle the lineup and get back into their usual groove. For now, though, they’ll have to trust their depth, play the matchups, and hope this midseason push sparks something new in how they handle the catcher spot and the heart of the order.
 
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