Cal Raleigh Placed on 10-Day Injured List with Right Oblique Strain
Cal Raleigh placed on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique strain; Mariners recall Jhonny Pereda and transfer José Suarez to Oakland for cash.
Mariners place Cal Raleigh on 10-day injured list
The Seattle Mariners announced Thursday that catcher Cal Raleigh has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique strain, the first IL stint of his major league career. The move removes Raleigh from the active roster while the club evaluates the severity of the injury and maps out a short-term recovery plan.
Manager Dan Wilson said the decision was precautionary and in the player’s long-term interest, noting that nobody wants to go on the injured list but that it was the prudent course. The club did not provide a precise timetable beyond the mandatory 10-day placement and said it will update the public as Raleigh progresses.
Injury timeline and immediate circumstances
Raleigh left Wednesday’s 4-3 loss in Houston after appearing to aggravate soreness on his right side late in the game, prompting further medical evaluation. He had already missed three games from May 2 to May 4 with right-side soreness, and the team concluded that resting him on the IL was the safest option.
The 29-year-old returned briefly to the lineup Tuesday, breaking a prolonged hitless stretch with two singles in Seattle’s 10-2 victory over the Astros. The recurrence of discomfort Wednesday raised concerns about continued play and prompted the club to activate the IL move.
Season performance and offensive struggles
Through 41 games this season, Raleigh has hit .161 with seven home runs and 18 runs batted in, alongside four doubles and 18 walks. That batting average places him near the bottom of qualifying hitters this year, with only one qualifying player reporting a lower average, underscoring an ongoing offensive slump.
The numbers represent a contrast to the power and run production the Mariners have relied on from their primary catcher in previous seasons. While home run and walk totals indicate retained plate discipline and pop, the overall batting average and recent hitless stretch have become a storyline heading into the team’s decision to rest him.
Roster moves: Jhonny Pereda recalled
To fill Raleigh’s spot on the active roster, Seattle recalled catcher Jhonny Pereda from Triple-A Tacoma. The 30-year-old Pereda has appeared sparingly with the Mariners this season but made a quick offensive impression in limited action, producing a .400 batting average and a run scored in two big-league games.
Pereda’s experience in Triple-A and familiarity with the organization make him a logical short-term replacement behind the plate. The Mariners will rely on his defensive work and game-calling while monitoring Raleigh’s rehab and exploring options for additional depth if needed.
Pitching personnel change: José Suarez moved for cash
Separately, the Mariners transferred left-hander José Suarez to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for cash considerations. Suarez, who pitched in nine games this season split between Seattle and Atlanta, posted an 0-1 record and a 6.38 ERA in his appearances.
The transaction reflects a roster adjustment as Seattle balances bullpen needs and bench depth while managing Raleigh’s absence. Suarez’s move to Oakland gives the Mariners some financial flexibility and clears room on the 40-man roster for Pereda’s recall.
Catching depth and short-term implications for Seattle
Raleigh’s placement on the injured list forces the Mariners to recalibrate catching responsibilities and lineup construction in the near term. Beyond Pereda, Seattle can turn to backups and call-ups depending on matchups, but the team will want to avoid overtaxing any single catcher given the grind of a major-league schedule.
Defensive handling of the pitching staff and continuity in game-calling will be focal points for the coaching staff while Raleigh is sidelined. The organization will also assess whether any additional roster moves are necessary if the oblique strain limits Raleigh’s availability beyond the minimum IL period.
Cal Raleigh’s health will be monitored closely by team medical staff, and Seattle has indicated it will provide updates as evaluations continue. The club faces the challenge of balancing immediate roster needs with preserving the long-term availability of one of its primary offensive contributors.
