Mariners’ Cal Raleigh hits IL for first time in career after breaking 0-for-38 slump

Cal Raleigh finally snapped his 0-for-38 slump in the Seattle Mariners' 10-2 win over the Houston Astros on Tuesday. While he's been dealing with a right oblique injury during his cold streak, it appears it was finally time for Raleigh to hit the IL to fully recover from the injury.Reports indicate that the 29-year-old catcher is being placed on the 10-day IL for the first time in his career due to the right oblique strain, according to Adam Jude of the Seattle Times. After ending his unfortunate hitless streak, Raleigh ends his streak of never being placed on the IL.“NEWS: Cal Raleigh (right oblique strain) is headed to the IL for the first time in his career,” reported Jude.With the 2025 home run champion set to miss at least the next 10 days, the Mariners will have to rely on backup Mitch Garver in the catcher position. The club may have to call up a catcher from the minor leagues to fill the void behind Garver while Raleigh recovers from the oblique strain.A trip to the IL might be the best thing for Cal Raleigh right now. His 2026 campaign has been dreadful, to say the least. The six-year veteran is on pace for the worst year of his MLB career, as he owns a .161 batting average and .243 OBP while totaling just 26 hits, seven home runs, and 18 RBIs through 161 at-bats.Although he went through a horrific 0-for-38 slump and is playing poorly offensively, the Mariners will want Cal Raleigh back in the lineup as soon as possible. The earliest he can return will be in late May when Seattle takes on the Kansas City Royals in a three-game series on the road.Cal Raleigh finally snapped his 0-for-38 slump in the Seattle Mariners' 10-2 win over the Houston Astros on Tuesday. While he's been dealing with a right oblique injury during his cold streak, it appears it was finally time for Raleigh to hit the IL to fully recover from the injury.