Raleigh Rests, Mariners Adjust Lineup

0:00On March 31st, Seattle Mariners fans, all-star catcher Kal Raleigh is sitting out the series opener against the New York Yankees. Manager Dan Wilson is giving him a rest day right off the bat in this three-game set. Wilson explained, it's smart after Raleigh's shorter spring training and playing every game in the four-game sweep against Cleveland. He doesn't want to overload him early, though Raleigh might pinch hit if needed. Raleigh's off to a rough start, just two for fifteen with a double, three walks and ten strikeouts in eighteen play-dependences. The Mariners' big middle-order bats, including Julio Rodriguez and Josh Naylor, are struggling too, a combined three for forty-five. Last season, Raleigh had a similar slow opening stretch, but went on to one of the best years ever for a catcher. Those strikeout numbers stand out, but it's way too early to panic. With a lefty-like Ryan Weathers pitching, Wilson sliding Rob Restnider as designated hitter and Mitch Garver behind the plate to keep things balanced.

1:00Deeper bench means more rest days ahead to keep Raleigh fresh all year. That's your update from Seattle Mariners News Today, powered by AI.