By Paul L. Taylor Posted on

Mariners still have no timeline for Cal Raleigh return from IL

Cal Raleigh has resumed activity for the first time since his right oblique strain, but patience is the name of the game for the Mariners.

Monday evening proved to be a positive experience in Sacramento, as the Mariners earned a much-needed 9-2 win over the division-leading Athletics. Even at this stage of the season it’s important not to fall too far behind a team which took two out of three when they last, in Seattle.

However, even allowing for a game in which the Mariners accrued 12 hits, you know they would feel a heck of a lot better if Cal Raleigh was back in the lineup. As such, Monday’s update on their star catcher and clubhouse leader was of particular interest to the fanbase.

Mariners manager Dan Wilson spoke to the media ahead of the series opener versus the Athletics, to advise Raleigh has resumed light activity in Arizona. However, Wilson stressed that caution is paramount for the 2025 AL MVP runner up, as he said:

“That’s a good sign, but again, he just really has to be careful with the obliques, as we’ve talked about, and take it slow. But I know he’s put a lot of work in prior to this with the rotation stuff and building the strength and getting it back.”

Dan Wilson is adamant that Cal Raleigh must remain patient

This is the first time the usually durable Raleigh has spent any time on the Injured List in his Major League career, and Wilson was asked about how hard is must be for him to remain patient. He said:

“Yeah, and I think that’s always the biggest thing and I think as you get closer, it gets even harder to be patient. He is such a competitor, and I know watching the game when he does, it’s got to be hard for him and that’s always the hardest part of the IL, but I’m happy to hear the way things are going with him, and I think he’s getting to a good spot.”

As impatient as Raleigh might be — and understandably so — he knows the importance of not rushing things. This is what led to aggravating his oblique strain in the first place, resulting in him having to go to the IL rather than continuing to try and manage and play through it.

Not that this approach was particularly effective, as the 2025 Silver Slugger endured an 0-for-38 hitless slump which came within four of the franchise record, held by Jarred Kelenic. In the end, placing him on the IL was smart for all concerned, and now this smart approach must continue rather than bringing him back too soon to help the Mariners.

Mariners not in a position to provide a timeline yet for when Cal Raleigh will be back

Of course with the Mariners struggling to even get to .500 and remain in the playoff hunt, it’s logical for fans to wonder when Raleigh will actually return? However, as things stand there is no timeline for when he will be back in the lineup.

The media did try to get some idea, including asking if Raleigh might be back for the Mariners’ next homestand beginning this Friday. However, Wilson did not want to commit to anything, as he said:

” We just assess where he can get the best attention and the best work, and make a decision from there. But I think right now he’s in a good spot down there (in Arizona) with the personnel that we have and where he is in his rehab/progression, so (will) just see when we get back where he is with that.”

As much as Raleigh is the most important player currently out injured, Mariners fans will be happy to hear that reliever Gabe Speier should be back soon. He has yet to be officially activated from the IL, but he’s back with the club in Sacramento after pitching in two minor league games as part of his rehab for left shoulder inflammation.

Photos court​‌esy of Tim Rogers Photography

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