Mariners’ Cal Raleigh goes on injured list for first time in his career

HOUSTON — A dreadful year for Cal Raleigh hit a new low point Thursday.

The Mariners’ All-Star catcher, who gamely tried to play through an oblique strain for nearly two weeks, has been placed on the injured list for the first time in his career.

Raleigh was pulled from Wednesday’s game and was seen visibly wincing during a play in the eighth inning, and on Thursday morning was formally placed on the 10-day IL with a right oblique strain.

“Nobody wants to go on the IL, and especially not Cal,” M’s manager Dan Wilson said. “But I think at this point it’s the smart thing to do.”

There is no timeline for Raleigh’s return. He’s scheduled to have medical imaging taken Friday after the team arrives back in Seattle.

Catcher Jhonny Pereda was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma to fill Raleigh’s spot. Mitch Garver was in the lineup for Thursday’s game at catcher.

Raleigh had previously missed three games because of discomfort in his right side early in May, and struggled mightily at the plate upon his return. He snapped an 0-for-38 slump on Tuesday, before going hitless again Wednesday.

This story will be updated.