3 weeks agoSeattle Mariners first baseman/outfielder
Luke Raley could see time against left-handed pitching. Last season, the 30-year-old deployed exclusively on the strong side of a platoon. However, manager Dan Wilson suggested that he first base may not be a "strict" platoon in 2025. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status in spring training as it could provide clarity on his potential for increased playing time. Last season, Raley held a .243/.320/.463 line with 22 home runs and 11 stolen bases, facing exclusively right-handed pitching. He generated a strong 11.0 percent barrel rate and held a 90.1 mph average exit velocity.
Donovan Solano would likely face left-handed pitching if Raley were to revert to a strict platoon. Raley is worth a late-round target especially in deeper formats as he could enjoy a career-season with increased at-bats.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Adam Jude
1 month agoSeattle Mariners first baseman/outfielder
Luke Raley (undisclosed) is back in the starting nine for Saturday afternoon's contest against the Chicago White Sox. Raley was dealing with an undisclosed injury throughout the week but has been cleared ahead of Saturday's game. He will start at first base and bat in the cleanup spot. Last season, Raley was on the strong side of a platoon as he made only two starts against southpaws. In 137 contests, the 30-year-old held a .243/.320/.463 slash line with 22 home runs and 11 stolen bases. He generated a modest .316 xwOBA with a low .220 xBA, suggesting he may face some regression during the 2025 campaign. Fantasy managers should expect Raley to have a similar role at first base in 2025, making him an intriguing late-round option in deeper formats.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Seattle Mariners
1 month agoSeattle Mariners first baseman/outfielder
Luke Raley (undisclosed) was scratched from Tuesday's Cactus League lineup for undisclosed reasons against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Tyler Locklear replaced Raley in the starting lineup and is batting fifth and playing first base. We'll post an update on Raley if he was scratched due to an injury. The 30-year-old left-handed hitter enjoyed his first year in Seattle in 2024, slashing .234/.320/.463 with a career-high 22 home runs, 58 RBI, 11 stolen bases and 58 runs scored in 137 games and 455 plate appearances. He especially excelled at T-Mobile Park, although his fantasy value was limited because of the fact that he only started twice against left-handed pitchers. Twenty of his 22 home runs also came against righties. Raley has fanned at over a 30% clip in his career, but his power stroke from the left side makes him a valuable corner-infield commodity in deeper fantasy leagues.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Seattle Mariners
6 months agoSeattle Mariners outfielder/first baseman/designated hitter
Luke Raley and infielder
Josh Rojas are both starting the game on the bench for Wednesday's series finale at Minute Maid Park against the division-rival Houston Astros with a left-hander on the mound.
Justin Turner is making the start at first base and is batting fifth, while
Dylan Moore will man the hot corner and bat out of the nine-hole against Astros left-hander
Yusei Kikuchi. Turner has an RBI and is hitting .273 in 11 career at-bats against Kikuchi, while Moore has gone hitless against the southpaw in five career at-bats. Raley has reached the 20-homer mark for the first time in his career in 2024, but he's also hitting just .192 (14-for-73) with just two of his 21 long balls against lefties. Rojas has been even worse against lefties, going 8-for-58 (.138) with none of his eight home runs on the year.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Seattle Mariners
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