The Lowest Batting Average in MLB: Why Cal Raleigh's First Swings Mean More Than You Think

Alright, Mariners fans, take a deep breath, because we just got a glimpse of something we've been waiting for. Our Big Dumper, Cal Raleigh, finally took his first swings since hitting the injured list on May 14 with that pesky right oblique strain! This isn't just a physical step for Cal, it's a massive psychological boost for the entire Emerald City. We needed this news, folks, we really did.

Big Dumper is Hitting, But There's a Road Ahead

Our switch-hitting catcher stepped into the box at the team's facility in Arizona and took 30 swings off a tee, 15 from each side, all at moderate intensity. General Manager Justin Hollander sounds cautiously optimistic, telling us Cal is "doing well right now." He's even back to catching and throwing out to 130 feet, which is huge progress. Hollander stressed the need to build responsibly, making sure when Cal "cuts it loose 100%, that he feels 100%." You love to hear that disciplined approach, especially with a guy so vital to our lineup.

Manager Dan Wilson is just as pumped, eagerly awaiting Raleigh's return to the clubhouse. "It'll be great to see him, no doubt," Wilson said, adding that "everyone will be glad to see him." He acknowledged that having "that leadership around and just who he is as a person" makes a world of difference. Cal is set to fly back to Seattle on Saturday for more evaluation, though it's still TBD if he'll stick around or head back to Arizona. The reality check? There's no timeline for his return yet, and Hollander anticipates he'll need a rehab assignment before we see him back behind the plate at T-Mobile Park.

The Impact of Our Missing Catcher and a Key Utility Guy

Let's be real, his absence has been felt. Cal acknowledged he was playing through some pain before hitting the IL. From April 28 to May 12, he went 0-for-38, which was the longest hitless streak in the majors this season! He did snap that with two singles in a 10-2 rout of Houston, but his season numbers tell a story: .161 batting average, seven homers, 18 RBIs, four doubles, 18 walks, and 16 runs in 41 games. That .161 average is, incredibly, the lowest in the majors among 163 qualified batters. So yeah, his healthy return is not just important, it's absolutely critical.

And it's not just Raleigh we're watching. All-Star utilityman Brendan Donovan, who landed on the 10-day IL on May 17 with a left groin muscle strain, is also making strides. He's progressed to running on a weightless treadmill, and Hollander expects he'll need a rehab assignment too, with baseball-specific running on deck. The team is being super deliberate with Donovan, who also missed time from April 18 to May 7 with the same issue, and underwent sports hernia surgery in October 2025. Hollander mentioned the Mariners' sports performance team anticipated this might make him susceptible to these kinds of strains. "These are the types of injuries that you want to be really deliberate with," Hollander stressed, "to make sure we don't have any type of setback like we did last time."

So, what's next for our M's? We keep watching these guys heal up. Every swing Cal takes, every stride Donovan makes, gets us closer to having our full squad back. The season is still early, and getting these leaders healthy and back in the lineup could truly change the vibe for the boys in teal. Fingers crossed, Seattle, we need them both!

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