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Mariners Drop Slugger Raleigh to Sixth in Order
25 Aug
Summary
- Cal Raleigh moves from cleanup hitter to sixth in the batting order.
- Raleigh has struggled in 2026 with a .159 batting average.
- Mariners seek wins to close gap in AL West standings.
The Seattle Mariners are set to face the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday, aiming to rebound from a substantial 19-2 defeat by the Chicago Cubs. In response to their recent performance, the Mariners have altered their batting lineup, notably repositioning catcher Cal Raleigh.
Raleigh, who was the cleanup hitter in their last game, will now bat sixth against the Phillies. This change places Josh Naylor in the cleanup position. This strategic adjustment comes as Raleigh has experienced a difficult 2026 season, marked by a .159 batting average and 14 home runs in 97 games, a stark contrast to his 60-home run performance in 2025. Despite his struggles, Raleigh is entering the game with a three-game hitting streak.
The Mariners are in a critical position within the AL West, trailing the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers by three games. Consequently, securing victories is paramount for their playoff aspirations. This upcoming series against the Phillies is thus highly significant for Seattle's standings.
