Cal Raleigh's Right Side Is Still Sore and the Mariners Can't Afford to Lose Him Against Atlanta

The Mariners are heading into Monday's three-game series against the Braves already banged up, and the biggest question mark involves the guy who just crushed 60 homers last year. Cal Raleigh sat out the last two games with discomfort in his right side after an MRI, and his status for the series opener remains day-to-day. In a season where Seattle has already dropped to 16-19 after losing all three to Kansas City, losing your All-Star catcher to injury would be the last thing this team needs.

Raleigh Playing It Safe but Hoping to Stay Off the IL

The 29-year-old first felt the soreness after Friday's game against the Royals but didn't think much of it at the time. Then he woke up the next day and it wouldn't go away, so he brought it to the Mariners staff. Manager Dan Wilson confirmed Sunday that Raleigh is "continuing to make strides" and said they're assessing it day by day. The good news? Raleigh said he felt much better Sunday and even tested his oblique in the batting cage pregame. "It felt good," he said. He's never been on the injured list in his six-year career, and he's determined to keep that streak alive. "Everyone's leaning on the cautionary side, which is to be expected," Raleigh said. "In the moment, you hate it, but down the line, I think they'll pay dividends."

Raleigh Was Just Getting Hot

Of course, the timing stings. After a slow start, Raleigh had heated up recently with five homers in a seven-game stretch from April 20-27. He also won the Home Run Derby at last year's All-Star Game in Atlanta, so he knows this ballpark well. Having him in the lineup against a Braves team sitting at an MLB-best 25-10 after sweeping Colorado would have been huge. Meanwhile, the defending AL West champs are limping in after getting swept by Kansas City at home.

The Pitching Matchup

Monday's series opener will see Braves rookie JR Ritchie (1-0, 2.92 ERA) take on Logan Gilbert (1-3, 4.03). Ritchie is a Seattle-area native who went to high school on Bainbridge Island and will be making his third major league start. He won his debut April 23 at Washington but didn't get a decision Wednesday against Detroit when he allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits over 5 1/3 innings with four walks and four strikeouts in a 4-3 Braves win. Gilbert didn't get a decision Tuesday in Minnesota despite a solid outing, allowing one run on six hits over five innings in a 7-1 victory. He's 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA in two career starts against Atlanta.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.