The Seattle Mariners have been solid this season, but it’s clear there’s still another level they haven’t reached yet. Unfortunately, unlocking that next gear may have to wait. Catcher Cal Raleigh has been placed on the injured list with an oblique injury, the first IL stint of his career. Raleigh recently spoke candidly about the situation and what the next few weeks could look like.
Raleigh didn’t hide his frustration with the setback. He admitted the injury has been tough to deal with, especially after trying to push through it for the sake of the team. In the end, he acknowledged that stepping away was the best decision for both his health and the Mariners’ long-term success.
The injury had been bothering Raleigh for several weeks, and he explained that it gradually became harder to manage. Like many players over the course of a long season, he tried to fight through the discomfort, but it eventually started to affect how he was playing. He noted that nearly everyone in the clubhouse is dealing with something physically, and the challenge is knowing when you’ve reached your limit.
Raleigh said his intention was never to hurt the team. He stayed in close contact with the training staff and made it clear that he would speak up if the injury reached a point where he could no longer perform effectively. Eventually, that moment came, forcing him to make the difficult call to shut things down and focus on getting healthy.
For now, there is no clear timetable for Raleigh’s return. His plan is to prioritize recovery while other players handle the catching duties in his absence, including Mitch Garver and Jhonny Pereda.
Raleigh believes the best move is to head to Arizona, focus on rehab, and allow his teammates to settle into their roles. He plans to help however he can, but he also understands the importance of not overstepping while others take on increased responsibility. The focus now is simple: get healthy, let the team move forward, and be ready when the time comes to return.