The Seattle Mariners have placed first baseman and outfielder Luke Raley on the 10-day injured list due to back spasms, officially announcing the move alongside the recall of first baseman Tyler Locklear from Triple-A Tacoma. This update, first reported by Adam Jude of the Seattle Times, does not provide an exact timeline for Raley’s recovery, but since his IL placement is retroactive to July 27, he could potentially return within a week.
Locklear, 24, has been showing remarkable performance this season, with a .316/.401/.542 batting line, and has made a compelling case for his promotion even before Raley’s injury. His success has been particularly notable; since Memorial Day, he has posted a remarkable .356/.441/.681 slash line over 50 games and 227 plate appearances.
Despite having a brief stint in the majors last season where he struggled in 49 plate appearances, Locklear has spent the entirety of the 2025 season in Triple-A. With the recent addition of Josh Naylor, Locklear may not assume an everyday role at first base immediately. However, he can contribute significantly as a designated hitter and could provide a much-needed power option off the bench.
Locklear’s impressive hitting and potential have not only positioned him as a viable long-term solution at first base but have also likely piqued the interest of other teams looking for trade opportunities. The Mariners have expressed a desire to enhance their roster, particularly at third base and in the bullpen, making Locklear a valuable asset within their deep farm system under president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto and general manager Justin Hollander.
For Raley, this marks his second stint on the injured list this season, having previously been sidelined for about five weeks due to an oblique strain. Currently, he is experiencing a challenging season at the plate, posting a .220/.343/.348 batting average. His recent performance slump, where he has recorded just a .190/.320/.286 line with 19 strikeouts in his last 50 plate appearances, suggests that his back issue may have been affecting his play even before his IL placement.
Overall, the Mariners’ situation highlights both the challenges and opportunities within their roster as they navigate player injuries while also scouting for potential trades to bolster their lineup.