Key Mariners bat is late lineup scratch against Angels

The Seattle Mariners have already faced a number of injuries this season, and another cropped up before Tuesday’s series opener against the Los Angels Angels.

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Luke Raley was a late scratch from the lineup. The Seattle Times’ Adam Jude reported on social media that Raley appeared to tweak his back or side on a swing during batting practice and was getting imaging done at the ballpark. Triple-A Tacoma outfielder Rhylan Thomas was en route to the stadium to be an emergency option, although no roster move is expected to be made today, per Jude.

Raley was slated to bat fifth and play right field. In 24 games, the left-handed-hitting outfielder is batting .206 with a .669 OPS, two home runs and eight RBIs.

Updated Lineup:

CF Rodríguez
DH Polanco
C Raleigh
LF Arozarena
1B Tellez
SS Crawford
3B Williamson
RF Mastrobuoni
2B Rivas

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) April 29, 2025

With Raley out, Leo Rivas was inserted to the lineup in the nine hole at second base. Miles Mastrobuoni moved from second base to right field.

Rivas has been an on-base machine in 11 games with the big league club this season. He’s hitting .304 with a .500 on-base percentage and .804 OPS. He has nearly twice as many walks (nine) as strikeouts (five) and is sporting a 28.1% walk rate in 32 plate appearances.

It’s yet to be seen if Raley will need to miss any time. If he does, it would add another name to the list on an injury list that includes starting pitcher Logan Gilbert and George Kirby, relievers Matt Brash and Gregory Santos, second baseman Ryan Bliss and Moore.

There was some good news in the M’s lineup announcement Tuesday, though. First baseman Rowdy Tellez and third baseman Ben Williamson were returned after getting Sunday’s series finale against Miami off. Manager Dan Wilson had expressed optimism Sunday that Tellez (hand) and Williamson (back) would be ready to play Tuesday.

Kirby nearing rehab start

Kirby threw a live batting practice of 35 to 40 pitches against two Everett AquaSox hitters on Monday.

According to Jude, the right-hander said he “felt awesome” afterwards, and Wilson said Kirby is ready to begin a formal rehab assignment, which could begin as soon as this weekend.

Kirby was shut down during spring training with right shoulder inflammation. The 2023 All-Star selection went 14-11 with a 3.53 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 179 strikeouts over 191 innings pitched in 33 starts last season. He has a career 3.43 ERA in in 511 2/3 big league innings.

The Mariners open a two-game series at 6:40 p.m. Tuesday against the Angels. Radio coverage can be heard on 710 AM Seattle Sports or the Seattle Sports app, starting with the pregame show at 5:30 p.m.

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