​​​Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.​

Cal Raleigh returns to the Mariners lineup on Tuesday night against the Atlanta Braves after missing three games with tightness on his right side. The Seattle catcher is batting second at T Mobile Park after being sidelined since Friday. His return matters because there had been growing concern that Raleigh could be headed for the injured list at a time when Seattle is trying to stabilize its offense.

Raleigh had been listed on the Mariners injury report with side soreness. Reports on Monday indicated that he underwent an MRI to determine whether the issue would require additional rest or an injured list stint. The club has not publicly released the results of that examination.

Seattle’s decision to put Raleigh back into the lineup suggests the team believes the injury is manageable for now. It remains unclear whether he is fully recovered. The Mariners could use him in a designated hitter role to reduce defensive workload while still allowing him to get game action.

The 29 year old addressed the situation on Monday and did not signal major concern. He said, “Everything is good, just taking it day by day.”

Mariners avoid immediate injured list decision

Manager Dan Wilson also spoke about Raleigh’s status before Tuesday’s game. Wilson said his catcher was in a good spot and added that a decision regarding a potential injured list move would be forthcoming in the next day or so.

That update created some uncertainty around Raleigh’s availability entering the Braves series. His inclusion in the starting lineup now indicates that Seattle has opted against an immediate roster move.

The Mariners have already dealt with stretches this season where offensive production has been inconsistent. Raleigh remains one of the club’s most important power threats, so his presence in the batting order carries significance even if he is not yet at full strength.

Seattle will continue monitoring how he responds during game action. If the discomfort returns or limits his performance, the possibility of a short injured list stint could still remain on the table.

Raleigh’s production in 2026

Raleigh entered the 2026 season coming off one of the most remarkable years by a catcher in Major League Baseball history. In 2025, he hit 60 home runs, setting the single season record for the most home runs ever by a catcher.

That historic power output established him as one of the central figures in the Mariners lineup. It also raised expectations for what he could deliver this season.

Through 33 games in 2026, Raleigh has hit seven home runs. His batting average sits at .186 and his OPS stands at .652. Those numbers are below the level Seattle saw during his record setting campaign, but the power remains evident.

A short absence caused by side soreness could help explain some of the early inconsistency. Core related discomfort can affect both swing mechanics and rotational power, especially for catchers who handle a heavy defensive workload.

Why Raleigh’s return matters for Seattle

Seattle’s lineup looks different when Raleigh is available. Even during periods when the batting average is below his standard, opposing pitchers must account for his power in key situations.

Batting him second on Tuesday is also notable. It suggests the Mariners are not simply easing him back into a low leverage role. Instead, they appear comfortable placing him in a prominent offensive spot immediately.

That could be important against Atlanta, a club that continues to feature one of the stronger rotations in the National League. Seattle will need traffic on the bases and extra base power if it wants to control the series opener.

Raleigh’s defensive value also remains a major part of his overall impact. His game calling, framing, and familiarity with Seattle’s pitching staff make him one of the club’s most valuable everyday players.

What to watch against the Braves

The immediate question on Tuesday will be how Raleigh moves through the game. Observers will likely pay close attention to his swings, his ability to rotate comfortably, and whether the Mariners manage his workload late in the contest.

If he catches rather than serving exclusively as designated hitter, that would be another encouraging sign regarding his recovery. Catching places significant strain on the core, particularly during throwing and receiving movements.

Seattle will also be looking for signs that Raleigh can regain rhythm at the plate. A healthy stretch over the next week could help him build momentum after a slow opening month.

Raleigh’s return does not fully close the injury story, especially with MRI results still undisclosed. But for now, the Mariners have their catcher back in the lineup, and that provides a welcome boost heading into an important matchup with Atlanta.