Mariners' Cal Raleigh and Brendan Donovan Injury Updates

Why this matters: The Mariners' performance is heavily influenced by the availability of key players like Raleigh and Donovan. Their careful return to play is crucial for the team's success and long-term competitiveness.

Cal Raleigh's Recovery

Cal Raleigh, who was placed on the injured list on May 14 with a right oblique strain, has begun taking swings off a tee. Mariners GM Justin Hollander reported that Raleigh took 30 swings at moderate intensity during a workout in Arizona. He will travel to Seattle for further evaluation before a decision is made on whether he will continue his rehab in Arizona or remain with the team.

Raleigh's progression will focus on gradually increasing the intensity of his swings rather than the volume. The next steps include moving from tee work to machine pitching and eventually live batting practice.

Brendan Donovan's Recovery

Brendan Donovan is recovering from a left groin muscle strain and is currently running on an Alter G treadmill in Arizona. The team expects him to transition to baseball-specific running soon. Like Raleigh, Donovan will also head back to Seattle for a check-in before starting his running progression, which will begin with straight-line running and progress to cutting and rounding bases.

The Mariners are being particularly cautious with Donovan, given his history of groin and core muscle strains. The team wants to ensure he is fully ready before returning to full baseball activity.

Rehab Assignments and Return Timeline

Both Raleigh and Donovan will require rehab assignments in the minor leagues before being activated to the Mariners' roster. The team is deliberately avoiding setting fixed return dates to ensure the players are truly ready to compete without risking further injury.

Hollander emphasized the importance of treating the individual player rather than just the diagnosis, ensuring that their return is based on their actual condition and readiness.

There is no clear timeline for their return. The Mariners are focusing on a cautious and deliberate approach to ensure they are fully recovered before returning to play.

Raleigh will focus on increasing the intensity of his swings and progressing to live pitching. Donovan will transition from treadmill running to baseball-specific running drills.

Yes, both players will require minor league rehab assignments before returning to the Mariners.

What are your thoughts on the Mariners' approach to managing player injuries? Do you think this cautious strategy will pay off in the long run? Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!