The Seattle Mariners are adapting to the absence of catcher Cal Raleigh, who is on the injured list for the first time in his career, according to a May 22 statement. The team has turned to veteran Mitch Garver and newcomer Jhonny Pereda as replacements behind the plate.
Raleigh’s injury has left a significant gap for the Mariners, given his consistent presence and durability. Garver said, “The show must go on.” He is sharing catching duties with Pereda while Raleigh recovers from an oblique strain that could keep him sidelined for several weeks.
Garver rejoined Seattle after being encouraged by Raleigh himself during free agency. “That meant everything,” Garver said. “I was pretty close to — not retiring, but taking a Minor League job with a team I wasn’t familiar with. … I honestly ended up back where I really wanted to be the whole time.” After signing a Minor League deal this offseason, he secured his role as backup catcher in Spring Training.
Pitchers have welcomed Garver’s return. Bryan Woo said, “When I got the news that he was coming back, I think everybody was pretty excited.” Logan Gilbert added, “I think the familiarity helps a lot from the last couple of years. Just the veteran presence of understanding what goes into game planning, running a staff with different pitchers, stuff like that. It’s been good, I was happy to see him come back this year.”
Garver originally joined Seattle in 2023 on a two-year contract intended for designated hitter duties but became backup catcher midseason. His continued presence marks stability at backup catcher not seen since Ben Davis backed up Dan Wilson in 2002-03.
Pereda brings defensive skills and strong arm strength to his new role with Seattle. He has thrown out five of nine attempted base stealers so far and recently hit his first career home run against Chicago. “Defense is very important, and it’s fun to do that, catching people trying to steal,” Pereda said.
Reflecting on adjustments made throughout his career regarding throwing technique behind home plate, Pereda stated: “I always had a good arm… As soon as I learned I didn’t have to be that quick; just make good throws; that made it way easier.”
As Raleigh continues recovery efforts off-field and both Garver and Pereda share increased responsibilities behind home plate for now—Seattle looks toward maintaining momentum during this period.
