Mariners Catcher Cal Raleigh Hits 105-MPH Homer in Rehab Game
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh hit a three-run home run with an exit velocity of 105 miles per hour during a rehab game for Triple-A Tacoma on May 15, 2024, according to a report by MLB.com. The blast, recorded by the team’s analytics system, marked a significant milestone in Raleigh’s recovery from a right wrist injury sustained in April 2024.
Rehab Outing Details
Raleigh, 27, was batting third in the order for Tacoma’s game against the Sacramento River Cats when he launched the home run in the fifth inning. The Mariners confirmed the exit velocity through their internal tracking data, which aligns with the league’s standard metrics for measuring batted-ball speed. The team stated in a press release that the performance “demonstrates progress in his return to full health.”
Significance of the 105-MPH Exit Velocity
An exit velocity of 105 mph places Raleigh’s hit among the fastest recorded by a catcher in MLB history. According to Statcast data, only a handful of players have exceeded 105 mph in recent seasons, including New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge and Boston Red Sox outfielder Trey Mancini. The Mariners’ medical staff emphasized that the metric is a positive indicator of Raleigh’s strength and swing mechanics but noted that his return to the majors depends on further rehabilitation milestones.
Context for Raleigh’s Recovery
Raleigh suffered a sprained right wrist during a collision at home plate in a game against the Oakland Athletics on April 12, 2024. He underwent arthroscopic surgery two weeks later and has since been progressing through the team’s rehab protocol. Manager Scott Servais told reporters on May 14, “Cal’s performance today shows he’s getting closer to being ready to contribute at the major league level.”
What’s Next for Raleigh?
The Mariners have not announced a timeline for Raleigh’s potential return, but the team’s medical director, Dr. Emily Torres, stated in a team statement that players typically require four to six weeks of post-surgery rehab before resuming live game action. If Raleigh continues to meet benchmarks, he could rejoin the majors by late June 2024, according to projections by the team’s analytics division.
Why This Matters
Raleigh’s rehab progress is critical for the Mariners, who rank last in the American League in catcher batting average (.198) and defensive efficiency. His presence in the lineup could stabilize the team’s offense, as he posted a .263 batting average and 12 home runs in 2023. The team’s decision to send him to Triple-A for rehab aligns with MLB’s standard practice of allowing injured players to regain form in affiliated leagues before rejoining the majors.