Mariners Game #35 Preview and Discussion

PEORIA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 27: Jhonny Pereda #5 of the Seattle Mariners looks on during the fifth inning of the spring training game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Peoria Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images) | Getty Images Cal Raleigh will not return to the Mariners lineup Sunday. The Mariners look to prevent a sweep against the Royals.

The pitching staff blew a strong performance by the lineup on Friday, and the lineup blew a strong performance by Emerson Hancock last night. After an up and down April , they have started May on the wrong foot. As has Raleigh, who is out of the lineup for a second straight day.

Kate Preusser reported this morning that Raleigh is dealing with general soreness in his “side. ” He is not on the injured list for now, and the team is simply being cautious with their top slugger in the early days of a long season. Jhonny Pereda is up in his place and will get his first start with the Mariners in the series finale.

For a primer on Pereda, Zack Mason has you covered in our preseason 40 in 40 . Rob Refsnyder leads off against Royals lefty Kris Bubic. Connor Joe is also in the lineup today; he’s been absolutely crushing the ball lately.