Mariners' Cal Raleigh sits vs. Yankees, injured pinstriped pitchers progressing

Raleigh, who finished second in AL MVP voting, gets a night off as Yankees' injured starters Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón make progress in their recoveries.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:05am

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A fragmented, multi-angled painting depicting a baseball game in progress, with sharp planes of color and overlapping shapes representing the players, field, and action, conveying the raw intensity of the sport.A cubist interpretation of the on-field battle between the Mariners and Yankees, capturing the dynamic energy of the game through a fractured, geometric lens.Seattle Today

Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who finished second in American League MVP voting last season, was held out of the lineup for Monday's series opener against the Yankees. Mariners manager Dan Wilson wanted to give the All-Star a night off after Raleigh's slow start to the season. Meanwhile, Yankees manager Aaron Boone provided updates on injured starters Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón, who are both making progress in their recoveries.

Why it matters

Raleigh's absence from the Mariners lineup is notable given his standout 2025 campaign, which saw him lead the majors in home runs and RBIs. The Yankees are also closely monitoring the recoveries of Cole and Rodón, two key pieces of their starting rotation, as they look to return from injuries and bolster the team's pitching staff.

The details

Raleigh, who finished second in AL MVP voting to Yankees slugger Aaron Judge last season, was held out of the Mariners' lineup on Monday after going just 2-for-15 with 10 strikeouts in his first four games. Mariners manager Dan Wilson said he wanted to give the All-Star catcher a night off, though he was available as a pinch-hitter. Meanwhile, Boone shared updates on the Yankees' injured pitchers - Rodón threw a 50-pitch live batting practice session on Sunday as he recovers from an elbow cleanup procedure, while Cole, who is coming off Tommy John surgery, is scheduled to throw a one-inning live BP session in the coming days as he aims to return sometime in May or early June.

  • On Monday, Cal Raleigh was absent from the Mariners' lineup against the Yankees.
  • On Sunday, Carlos Rodón threw a 50-pitch live batting practice session.
  • In a couple days, Gerrit Cole is scheduled to throw a one-inning live BP session.

The players

Cal Raleigh

A catcher for the Seattle Mariners who finished second in American League MVP voting in 2025 after leading the majors in home runs and RBIs.

Aaron Judge

The New York Yankees' star outfielder who won the American League MVP award in 2025, beating out Raleigh.

Dan Wilson

The manager of the Seattle Mariners.

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees.

Carlos Rodón

A starting pitcher for the New York Yankees who is recovering from an elbow cleanup procedure.

Gerrit Cole

A starting pitcher for the New York Yankees who is recovering from Tommy John surgery.

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What they’re saying

“'Phenomenal,' Yankees skipper Aaron Boone said of Raleigh's season. 'He's very good behind the plate, a leader on that team — a team that got to the American League Championship Series — and a big reason why was his all-around play.'”

— Aaron Boone, Yankees manager

“'I figured it would be pretty close,' Boone said of the voting. 'I kind of believed Judgey would carry the day. I think they got it right. But there's no denying the all-around season that Cal had. It was, deservingly, a very tight race.'”

— Aaron Boone, Yankees manager

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.