Seattle Mariners Announce Cal Raleigh Decision on Monday

The Seattle Mariners will open a series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday looking to put a lopsided defeat behind them and regain some momentum in a tight American League West race.

Seattle dropped its most recent contest to the Chicago Cubs by a final score of 19-2. That result left the Mariners searching for answers as they prepared for the visit from Philadelphia.

Managerial staff made several adjustments to the batting order for the series opener. One of the more noticeable moves involves catcher Cal Raleigh, who shifts down in the lineup.

Raleigh, who occupied the cleanup spot against the Cubs, will bat sixth against the Phillies. First baseman Josh Naylor moves into the fourth position as a result of that change.

The full projected order for Monday’s game begins with Randy Arozarena in left field. Dominic Canzone follows in right field, with Julio Rodriguez set to hit third from center field.

Naylor slots in at first base in the cleanup role. Designated hitter Taylor Ward comes next, followed by Raleigh behind the plate.

Cole Young is scheduled to bat seventh at second base. Weston Wilson takes the eighth spot at third base, and Brock Rodden rounds out the order at shortstop.

Raleigh’s 2026 campaign has stood in sharp contrast to the year before. In 2025 the catcher launched 60 home runs for Seattle, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier power threats.

Through 97 games this season, however, his production has dropped significantly. He has collected 14 home runs and 47 RBIs while hitting just .159.

Those numbers represent a clear step backward for the six-year veteran. Fans and observers have watched closely as he works to regain his previous form.

Still, there are modest signs of progress. Raleigh enters the Phillies series riding a three-game hitting streak, offering a potential foundation on which to build.

Whether that streak continues from the sixth spot in the order remains to be seen. The lower placement could provide a different environment at the plate as he faces Philadelphia’s pitching.

The Mariners sit three games behind both the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers in the AL West standings. Every remaining contest carries extra weight as the team tries to close that gap.

A strong performance against the Phillies would help Seattle stay within striking distance of the division leaders. Raleigh’s ability to contribute offensively from his new slot could play a role in that effort.

Team officials have not publicly detailed the reasoning behind the lineup shift beyond the need for better results. The move follows the heavy loss to Chicago and reflects ongoing evaluation of the club’s offensive approach.

As the Mariners take the field Monday, attention will focus on whether the revised order produces more consistent production. Raleigh’s recent contact success offers a small measure of optimism amid an otherwise difficult season.

The series against Philadelphia presents an immediate opportunity to climb the standings. Seattle will need contributions throughout the lineup, including from its veteran catcher, to start the set on a positive note.