Cal Raleigh exits game early in Mariners’ loss to Astros

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh was pulled from for a defensive replacement in the bottom of the ninth inning of Wednesday night’s 4-3 extra-innings loss to the Houston Astros after appearing to reaggravate the injury to his right side during the prior inning.

Manager Dan Wilson told reporters postgame Raleigh was taken out for precautionary reasons and the team will assess their star catcher’s status Thursday.

“It was just a play on defense and it kind of was awkward for him,” Wilson said. “So as a precaution, we said, ‘Let’s get you out tonight.'”

Raleigh grabbed at his right side after a bizarre play that featured an error and nearly another after a bunt attempt. Eduard Bazardo threw wide to second after fielding the bunt and Julio Rodriguez booted the ball back to the infield as he came in from center before firing towards home. The ball was cut off, but Raleigh moved up the third base line in an attempt to field it and showed signs of discomfort after.

Two batters later, Raleigh slipped in front of the plate as he was about to throw to first base to attempt a 6-2-3 double play with the bases loaded.

Mitch Garver took over catching duties in the ninth.

Raleigh missed three games earlier this month with the side issue. He returned to the lineup May 5 as the designated hitter and played his first behind the plate three days later.

Raleigh was the American League MVP runner-up last year during a historic 60-homer campaign in which he set MLB single-season records for home runs by a catcher and a switch-hitter. But he has gotten off to a slow start this year, hitting .161 with a .560 OPS and seven homers in 41 games.

Raleigh broke an 0-for-38 slump with a pair of singles on Tuesday.

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