Cal Raleigh is under the microscope after a difficult start to the season. The Seattle Mariners as a whole are struggling, sitting at the bottom of the standings with a 4-9 record after 13 games.
The team’s .184 batting average is not helping matters, despite a franchise-best 2.62 ERA over the same period. Their struggles culminated in a two-hit shutout this week in Texas.
Raleigh’s Batting Woes
The Mariners’ 2-3-4-5 hitters, including Cal Raleigh, are collectively batting .133. Raleigh himself is hitting .143 with one home run, seven hits, and 21 strikeouts. That strikeout total is the second-most in MLB.
A Deep Dive into Plate Appearances
An analysis of Raleigh’s first 55 plate appearances, equalling 248 pitches, reveals some of the challenges he has faced. In Game 1 against the Cleveland Guardians, he struck out swinging on an 0-2 changeup. Earlier in the same game, he took a fastball right down the middle for a strike.
In Game 2, Raleigh struck out in an eight-pitch at-bat. He also struck out looking against a curveball that was outside.
World Baseball Classic Impact
Raleigh, along with Rodriguez, Naylor and Arozarena, participated in this year’s World Baseball Classic.
The Mariners are set to host the Houston Astros in an upcoming game.