Mariners' Cal Raleigh Makes Announcement

After finishing second in AL-MVP voting last season, Raleigh has struggled so far in 2026. Raleigh led the majors in home runs last season with 60, but in 41 games this year, he's hit just seven. In those 41 games, Raleigh has a rather poor slash line of .161/.243/.317, with his .560 OPS easily being the lowest mark in his career outside of his rookie season in 2021.

Although Seattle sits atop the AL West division, the team has scuffled in Raleigh's absence. The Mariners have posted a record of 15-16 since May 14, and have seen their division lead reduced to just a single game over the Athletics and Texas Rangers.

Raleigh's return comes just as the team placed shortstop J.P. Crawford on the injured list with a hand contusion. The Mariners have also been without the services of Randy Arozarena due to a sore hamstring, and lost Josh Naylor to a bruised shin after he left Sunday's game against the Washington Nationals. Crawford is eligible to return from the IL on Tuesday alongside Raleigh, but the Mariners have not officially made that announcement yet.

According to Jude, Raleigh has called the last month of recovery "eye-opening" and "productive." Given his slow start to the season, the reset could do wonders for Raleigh for the rest of the year. After suiting up in no less than 145 games the last three seasons, Raleigh's month off provided him and his body with a much-needed refresher.