What's Happening?
Cal Raleigh, the Mariners' star catcher, hit his 59th and 60th home runs during a game against the Colorado Rockies, helping the Mariners secure the American League West division title. Raleigh is now just two home runs away from tying Aaron Judge's American League home run record of 62, set in 2022. With the Mariners having a chance to secure the No. 1 seed in the American League, the team faces a decision on whether to rest Raleigh, who has played 155 games this season.
Why It's Important?
Raleigh's achievement is significant as it places him in contention for the AL MVP and highlights his contribution to the Mariners' success this season. His performance has been pivotal in the Mariners' unexpected rise to the top of the AL West, a division they have historically struggled in. The decision on Raleigh's playing time could impact the team's strategy in the postseason, balancing the pursuit of individual records with team goals.
What's Next?
The Mariners will need to decide how to manage Raleigh's playing time in the remaining games, considering both his pursuit of the home run record and the team's playoff positioning. This decision will be crucial as the Mariners aim to maintain their competitive edge while potentially making history with Raleigh's achievements.
