The Seattle Mariners benched starting catcher Cal Raleigh for Monday's series finale against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field, aiming to split the four-game series after a 7-3 loss.
Seattle entered the matchup 1.5 games behind the division-leading Rangers in the AL West.
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Bench manager Dan Wilson opted to start backup catcher Mitch Garver behind the plate instead of Raleigh.
Raleigh has struggled offensively during the 2026 season, posting a . 165 batting average with 10 home runs and 35 RBIs across 74 games.
This was his first absence from the starting lineup since returning from the injured list on June 16.
He went 4-for-31 with 10 strikeouts in nine games since the All-Star break.
The decision followed a high-workload year for Raleigh, who led the American League with 60 home runs and 125 RBIs in 2025 before participating in the World Baseball Classic for Team USA during the offseason.
"I'm not one to make excuses," Raleigh said.
"I don't regret going to play for Team USA… I would still do it over again just because you don't get that opportunity every day.
At the end of the day, was it harder to get at-bats? Yes.
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Did it maybe throw my timing off a little? Maybe.
But I'm not here to speculate and make excuses."
Rodríguez Moved to DH
The Mariners also adjusted center fielder Julio Rodríguez's role, placing him as the designated hitter for the second time in three games.
Rodríguez missed 10 games earlier in July due to a concussion after being struck by a throw on the basepaths.
"We wanted definitely to take the head injury seriously and this is where we are at," Wilson said.
"Err on the side of caution."
Outfielder Luke Raley started in center field, while Dominic Canzone took over right field. Right-hander George Kirby started on the mound for Seattle against Texas starter Kumar Rocker.
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The Mariners are set to host the Rangers for their final head-to-head series in September.
