Cal Raleigh on IL with Oblique Strain, First Career Absence

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh is out with an oblique strain, marking his first time on the injured list in his six-year career. Jhonny Pereda has been called up.
By Newsroom | Sports, Baseball |

Houston, TX - Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has been placed on the 10-day injured list for the first time in his six-year major league career. The move comes after he sustained a right oblique strain during Wednesday's game against the Houston Astros. This marks a significant departure for a player who has been a consistent presence.

The immediate aftermath of the injury saw Raleigh grimace and then opt against throwing to first base on a potential double play, a moment that preceded his official IL placement. His absence, detailed by reports from MLB.com and MLB Trade Rumors, will see Jhonny Pereda recalled from Triple-A Tacoma to share catching duties with Mitch Garver. The full extent of Raleigh's recovery timeline remains unclear, with further examination expected upon the team's return to Seattle.

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Slump Preceded Injury, Adds Layer to Departure

Raleigh's trip to the injured list follows a particularly challenging stretch at the plate. He had endured an 0-for-38 performance at one point, a slump that only recently saw a break with a hit on Monday. Despite this extended cold spell, which tanked his batting average to .161/.243/.317, the club had initially opted to avoid the IL. His struggles were noted in articles from CBS Sports and Sports Illustrated, with one piece questioning "What the Heck Is Going On With Cal Raleigh?"

Acknowledged Talent and Past Successes

This current difficulty stands in contrast to Raleigh's recent accolades. In 2025, he was named an MLB All-Star starter, leading the league in home runs with 33 before the break. Sports Illustrated even recognized him as their Breakout Star of the Year for 2025. His prowess was previously highlighted in a 2025 article from Tallahassee.com, detailing his emergence as a top performer. His career, which began with his first MLB hit on July 20, 2021, has also seen notable moments like his first career home run in July 2021.

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Broader Context and Player Data

Information from Britannica touches on his background, mentioning his parents' involvement in printing and baseball coaching. Meanwhile, stat tracking sites like MLB.com detail specific career milestones, including his hardest-hit ball at 113.1 MPH and a career-high three RBIs. Recent game results, such as the Rockies vs. Pirates matchup on May 13-14, 2026, provide context for ongoing MLB activities, though they do not directly involve Raleigh's current situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Cal Raleigh on the injured list?
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh was placed on the 10-day injured list because he has a right oblique strain. This is the first time in his six-year career he has been on the injured list.
Q: Who will replace Cal Raleigh as catcher?
Jhonny Pereda has been called up from Triple-A Tacoma to catch for the Mariners. He will share catching duties with Mitch Garver while Raleigh is out.
Q: How long will Cal Raleigh be out?
The exact time Cal Raleigh will be out is not yet clear. He will have more tests done when the team returns to Seattle. This injury comes after a difficult hitting slump for Raleigh.
Q: What was Cal Raleigh's recent performance before the injury?
Before his injury, Cal Raleigh was in a hitting slump, going hitless for 38 at-bats at one point. His batting average was .161. This is different from last year when he was an All-Star and led the league in home runs.