Josh Naylor Returns to Mariners Lineup After Missing Time With Back Spasms

Seattle first baseman Josh Naylor is back in the lineup for Wednesday's series finale against the Mets. Naylor exited Monday's game with back spasms after hitting a game-tying home run off reliever Brooks Raley in the seventh inning. His back stiffened up after he returned to the dugout.

Naylor took Tuesday off but remained available off the bench. "I think he feels much better than he did yesterday," Seattle manager Dan Wilson said. 254 with six home runs and 25 RBIs this season. 296 in 108 at-bats during May.

299 with nine home runs, 33 RBIs and 19 stolen bases in 54 games for Seattle in 2025. 5 million contract in November. Naylor has helped the Mariners win a season-best eight straight games and build a 2½-game lead in the American League West.

Catcher Cal Raleigh is also making progress toward returning to the lineup. Raleigh was placed on the injured list May 14 with a right oblique strain. He took swings off a tee Friday at the Mariners' spring training complex in Arizona and has since returned to Seattle, where he has been doing pregame work over the past few days.

Wilson said a rehab assignment is likely for Raleigh while the Mariners begin a 10-game road trip Friday at Detroit. "All of this is pointing to good news," Wilson said. 161 with seven home runs, 18 RBIs, four doubles, 18 walks and 16 runs.

He went 0-for-38 from April 28 to May 12, the longest hitless streak in the majors this season, before breaking out with two singles in a 10-2 rout of the Houston Astros.