Garver exits game, forcing Mariners to forfeit DH

Seattle Mariners backup catcher Mitch Garver exited Thursday’s game against the Minnesota Twins after taking a foul tip off his jaw while behind the plate in the fifth inning.

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Cal Raleigh, who was serving as the designated hitter for the day, replaced Garver behind the plate. That meant the Mariners had to forfeit their designated hitter for the rest of the game.

The Mariners dealt with a strikingly similar situation last season – which coincidentally also came against the Twins.

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During a June 30, 2024, game against Minnesota at T-Mobile Park, Garver exited the game after taking a pitch off his wrist during a second-inning at-bat. That prompted Raleigh to take over at catcher, which forced the Mariners to forfeit their DH. That led to a rare at-bat from starting pitcher Luis Castillo, who stepped up to the plate in the fourth inning and struck out looking on three pitches.

Garver is batting .213 with three homers, four doubles and a .639 OPS in 45 games this season. He went 1 for 2 with a double on Thursday before leaving the game.

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