Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh missed the starting lineup for Thursday's contest against the Milwaukee Brewers. He is expected to return to action on Friday as the team shifts its focus to a home series.
The Fall from 60 Home Runs to a .156 Average
The current offensive production of Cal Raleigh stands in stark contrast to his previous achievements. according to the report , Raleigh enjoyed a historic 2025 season where he led the entire MLB in both home runs (60) and RBIs (125). That peak has been replaced by a severe regression in 2026.
In 93 games this season, Cal Raleigh has struggled to find any rhythm at the plate. He is currently hitting just .156 with a .568 OPS and a .296 slugging percentage. Across 334 at-bats, he has managed only 52 hits, 13 home runs , and 44 RBIs, marking a significant decline in power and consistency for the Seattle Mariners.
Dan Wilson's Lineup Shuffle and Johnny Pereda's Start
Seattle Mariners manager Dan Wilson has attempted to manage this slump by adjusting the batting order. As the report says, Wilson has continued to keep Cal Raleigh in the lineup but has frequently dropped him significantly in the order to minimize the impact of his struggles.
The decision to bench Raleigh on Thursday suggests a shift in strategy following a series loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. for that game, Johnny Pereda started behind the plate for the Seattle Mariners,while Kirby took the mound as the starting pitcher.
The Push for an NL Wild Card Spot Against the Cubs
The Seattle Mariners are now looking to stabilize their season as they prepare for a Friday night matchup against the Chicago Cubs at home in Seattle. This game serves as a critical turning point after the team's recent struggles against Milwaukee.
The stakes are high as the team attempts to secure a Wild Card spot in the NL, according to the report. Following the Chicago Cubs game, the Seattle Mariners will travel to face the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday and Sunday before returning home to host the San Francisco Giants on Monday.
What Caused the Drop to a .296 Slugging Percentage?
While the statistical decline is documented, the source leaves several critical questions unanswered. Specifically, there is no mention of whether Cal Raleigh is battling an undisclosed injury or if the Seattle Mariners have identified a mechanical flaw in his swing that led to the .296 slugging percentage.
Furthermore, the report provides only the perspective of the team's results and managerial moves. There are no direct quotes from Cal Raleigh or the Seattle Mariners front office to explain the disparity between his 2025 dominance and his current struggles.
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