Star Catcher's Comeback: A Boost for the Battered Mariners Against the Orioles
Cal Raleigh's Impressive Rehabilitation Stint and Imminent Return
Cal Raleigh, the Seattle Mariners' record-setting catcher, appears poised for his highly anticipated return to the field. Following an impressive rehabilitation period in Triple-A Tacoma, where he smashed five home runs in just four games, Raleigh is expected to be activated from the injured list. This development comes just in time for the Mariners' three-game home series against the Baltimore Orioles.
Raleigh's Absence and His Perspective on Sidelines
Raleigh's absence, which began on May 14 due to a strained right oblique, marked his first time on the injured list in his professional career. Last season, he achieved a remarkable feat by leading the major leagues with 60 home runs, a record for both catchers and switch-hitters. Reflecting on his time away, Raleigh described it as a "Twilight Zone" experience, emphasizing how being sidelined has deepened his appreciation for the game.
Wider Injury Concerns for the Mariners Squad
Beyond Raleigh's return, the American League West-leading Mariners are dealing with a wave of injuries. Shortstop J.P. Crawford, who sustained a bruised hand on June 5, is also expected to be activated. The team is further hopeful about the availability of left fielder Randy Arozarena (left hamstring tightness), first baseman Josh Naylor (right shin contusion), and closer Andres Munoz (lower back tightness), all of whom have been recently sidelined.
Manager Dan Wilson Reflects on the Team's Injury Challenges
Mariners manager Dan Wilson acknowledged the challenges posed by the recent spate of injuries, especially during their recent 4-6 road trip. He noted that the constant personnel changes due to players getting "dinged up" have impacted the team's consistency. Wilson also mentioned relievers Matt Brash (right lat strain) and Cooper Criswell (right shoulder strain) being placed on the injured list, highlighting the pervasive nature of the team's health issues.
Orioles' Recent Performance and Outlook
The Baltimore Orioles, after splitting a four-game series with Seattle last week, secured a win in the opener against San Diego, marking their fifth three-game winning streak of the season. However, they subsequently dropped two weekend games, including a 5-2 loss on Sunday where their offense struggled with runners in scoring position. Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson remains optimistic, believing that consistent play will lead to a positive streak.
Pitching Matchup for the Series Opener
The opening game of the series on Tuesday will feature a duel between two right-handed pitchers: Brandon Young (5-1, 3.04 ERA) for the Orioles and Logan Gilbert (4-4, 3.62) for the Mariners. Young previously dominated Seattle, allowing only two hits over seven scoreless innings in a 7-2 victory. Gilbert, who pitched six innings and allowed one run in a no-decision against the Orioles last week, holds a career record of 1-1 with a 2.92 ERA in four starts against Baltimore.