By Paul Taylor Posted on

Mariners getting key reinforcements ahead of crucial homestand

The Mariners will have Cal Raleigh and J.P. Crawford back in the lineup, as they aim to recover from a run of just four wins in 11 games.

In recent years, the Mariners have developed a reputation for inconsistent starts and not getting their act together until the second half of the campaign. As such, the beginning to 2026 is no different, and yet the fanbase seems more frustrated than usual. That what happens when expectations are as high as they’ve ever been, with plenty of media experts predicting this would be the year the M’s finally make it to the World Series for the first time in franchise history.

The Mariners got closer than ever last season and the overriding sentiment was they would take the next step this time around, helped by arguably the best roster of the Jerry Dipoto era in Seattle. Unfortunately for the team, they’ve been compromised by an extensive injury list which is verging on the ridiculous. As such, news on Monday will have provided an encouraging boost for everyone concerned.

As reported by Adam Jude of The Seattle Times, Cal Raleigh and J.P. Crawford will be activated from the Injured List on Tuesday, ahead of a six-game homestand versus the Orioles and Red Sox. The timing couldn’t be better, with the Mariners on a 4-7 run in their past 11 games. Sure they’re still at the AL West summit, but a 37-36 record and 0.5 game advantage over the second-place Athletics is hardly inspiring confidence.

What’s interesting is that the Mariners actually went 16-13 during Raleigh’s absence specifically, with Mitch Garver and Jhonny Pereda both performing above expectations at the catcher position. Further, last year’s AL MVP runner up had struggled prior to going to the IL with his right oblique strain, including a 0-for-38 hitless streak which came within three of the franchise record. However, there’s no denying the M’s are a much better team when he’s healthy and in the lineup.

Cal Raleigh is back and feeling both healthy and excited

In this respect, Raleigh feels better than ever ahead of returning for Tuesday’s home series opener versus the Orioles. In an interview with Jude, he talked about how he had a very productive month of healing and reflection. He said:

“Obviously, getting healthy was number one. But taking a step back and understanding where I’m at, and understanding where the team is at and watching from afar — it’s not what I wanted to do, but ultimately it was a good time to reflect and see what I could do better, see where I can make some adjustments, both as a player and as a teammate.”

On the evidence of Raleigh’s rehab assignment, he certainly looks like he’s over his issues. His stint included four games in Triple-A Tacoma, where he hit five home runs and looked more like the guy who became just the seventh player in Major League history to have 60+ bombs in a season. He said:

“It’s definitely been exciting to be back in uniform and playing. That’s the best part about it, is getting those nerves and those good butterfly feelings back again, which is awesome. Really excited and energetic to get going again.”

Mariners will be more formidable with J.P. Crawford and Randy Arozarena also back

On the subject of excited, this will be the vibe within the fanbase, with Crawford also returning from IL now his right hand contusion has been resolved. Yes, his defense is still an understandable concern, but he’s been a productive bat all season especially when hitting first, with a .935 OPS in 31 games. Randy Arozarena is also expected back after sitting out the past two games with a hamstring issue, with him in the midst of what’s projected to be his best season in the majors.

It will be interesting to see how the return of Raleigh and Crawford specifically, impacts the roster. Patrick Wisdom has been optioned to Triple-A Tacoma presumably to accommodate Crawford. It was also announced on Monday that reliever Domingo González cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Tacoma.

With the Mariners needing to open up another roster spot to facilitate Raleigh’s return, the thinking is Pereda will also head to Tacoma. This is a shame given how he’s performed — arguably better than Garver — but he still has one minor league option remaining. At least Pereda has shown enough that the Mariners can have confidence in turning to him again down the road, pending what (else) happens at the catcher position.

Photos court​‌esy of Tim Rogers Photography

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