Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has taken his first swings since landing on the injured list with an oblique strain on May 14, according to general manager Justin Hollander. Raleigh took 30 swings at moderate intensity in Arizona on Friday, while infielder Brendan Donovan continues rehabbing a left groin muscle strain that stemmed from offseason sports hernia surgery.. The team is taking a deliberate approach with both players, with no firm timeline yet for their return.

30 swings from each side: Cal Raleigh's cautious return from oblique injury

Raleigh worked out in Arizona on Friday, taking 15 swings from each side of the plate at a moderate intensity, Hollander said. It marked the first time he has swung a bat since going on the 10-day injured list with a left oblique strain. Raleigh initially tweaked the oblique against the Kansas City Royals in early May and sat out three games, then returned for eight more contests before the issue resurfaced against the Houston Astros. An MRI at that time showed the injury had not worsened, and Raleigh received an injection to aid healing.

"We just want to build responsibly and make sure that when he cuts it loose 100 percent that he feels 100 percent," Hollander said. The team plans to evaluate Raleigh after he returns to Seattle on Saturday for a check-in ahead of Sunday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.. Hollander added that he will likely know more about a return-to-play date in a week, but noted that the swings were a good sign. Oblique injuries are notoriously tricky for hitters, often requiring extended downtime to avoid re-aggravation. The Mariners, currently in a competitive division race, cannot afford a rushed return for their primary catcher, but their lineup also misses his power bat.

Brendan Donovan's groin strain: a 'byproduct' of sports hernia surgery

Infielder/outfielder Brendan Donovan is rehabbing in Arizona from a left groin muscle strain that Hollander described as a byproduct of offseason sports hernia surgery. Donovan has been using an AlterG weightless treadmill for running and will continue that for a few more days before progressing to baseball-specific running. According to Hollander, the issue is more of a concern when running than at the plate. "These are the type of injuries that you want to be really deliberate with, to make sure we don't have any kind of setback like we did last time," Hollander said.

The groin strain is a complication from Donovan's earlier surgery, raising questions about whether the lingering issue might require additional rest or even a different approach to strengthening. The team is less worried about his hitting, but running — especially base running — is where the risk lies. Donovan's versatility in the infield and outfield makes him a valuable piece, and the Mariners are understandably cautious. The unanswered question is whether this groin problem will fully resolve without another setback, given the post-surgery context.

Vargas MRI, Mastrobuoni rehab, Wilson thumb fracture: a crowded Mariners infirmary

Beyond Raleigh and Donovan, the Mariners have several other injured players making progress. Right-handed pitcher Carlos Vargas, who has been on the IL all season with a right lat strain, was scheduled for an MRI on Friday to determine if he is clear to resume throwing. Utility man Miles Mastrobuoni has started a rehab assignment with Triple-A Tacoma after being sidelined since the start of the year by a pair of calf injuries — one from the World Baseball Classic and one during a prior rehab assignment. Infielder Will Wilson, who fractured his thumb in late April, is expected to begin a rehab assignment next week, according to the report.

The sheer volume of injuries — especially to position players — tests the Mariners' organizational depth. Mastrobuoni and Wilson were expected to contribute in utility roles, and their absences have forced the team to rely on less experienced options.. The MRI on Vargas is a key step for a bullpen that could use additional arms. As the season progresses, getting these players back healthy will be critical for Seattle's playoff push.

What the team still doesn't know: rteurn dates, rehab location , and MRI results

Several specific uncertainties remain after the Mariners' latest injury updates. For Raleigh, the team has not yet decided whether he will continue his rehab in Seattle or return to Arizona for more work — Hollander said the choice will depend on what Raleigh needs next and where it can best be provided. There is no estimated return date for Donovan, and his progression to baseball running has not yet been cleared. The results of Vargas's MRI are pending. The report only presents the team's perspective, leaving open how the players themselves feel about the pace of recovery. Without a clearer timeline, the Mariners may have to navigate several more weeks with a depleted roster.