Headlines and Homers

Every Friday, we dive into the top headlines surrounding the hometown team and highlight the biggest blast of the week. This edition of "Headlines and Homers" includes players returning from rehab assignments, a rising prospect, and the biggest blast of the week..

Headline #1: Two key players close to returning

You aren't wrong if you think Andres Munoz and Dylan Moore have been on the injured list forever. Moore has yet to make his 2023 debut due to core surgery and an extended rehab assignment. At the same time, Munoz was shut down in early May with a shoulder impingement and is finally feeling back to his flamethrowing self. President of Baseball Operations, Jerry Dipoto, joined Brock and Salk (Seattle Sports 710) offering some updates on the two players.

The Mariners kick off the famed "Vedder Cup" series with San Diego next Tuesday (June 6). Look for a roster shakeup following this weekend's three-game set with the AL West-leading Texas Rangers.

Headline #2: Big Dumper makes big adjustment

Cal Raleigh has a penchant for hitting in clutch moments, as evidenced by his blistering (107 mph) walk-off single this week against the Yankees. But like any young player, he is only 26; there are always areas for improvement. But, according to manager Scott Servais, the young backstop has made the most significant jump on the team regarding two-strike approaches. The numbers certainly back up that assessment.

If Raleigh continues this trend while showing strong defense and pitch calling, we could see a 2023 All-Star Game nod.

Headline #3: Celestin flashes in ACL tune-up

Scouts are praising the Mariners for their continued dominance in the international amateur signing period, and rightfully so. They've landed Julio Rodriguez, Robert Perez Jr., Michael Arroyo, Laz Montes, and the consensus top three prospect this past year, Felnin Celesten. An uber-athletic shortstop with Francisco Lindor comps, Celesten is tuning up for the Arizona Complex League (ACL), which kicks off on Monday (June 5).

The team is aggressively bypassing the Dominican Summer League and placing him in the ACL with Arroyo and Montes. That's quite the trio of high-upside bats.

Homer of the Week

Before last Sunday's rubber match with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Cal Raleigh was the last Mariner with a walk-off blast (against Oakland). Well, the king of good vibes is back on top and that is more than enough of a reason to hand Suarez the Homer of the Week award.

Suarez has been showing signs of breaking out of a power slump for the past few games ripping two homers and three doubles on the homestand.