The week ahead: Pirates host Mariners, Reds

Justin Guerriero TribLive Fri, Jun 19, 2026 • 06:01 AM

Seattle Mariners’ Cal Raleigh hits a two-run single during the seventh inning in a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Seattle. (AP)

The week ahead

vs. Mariners

6:40 p.m. Tuesday (SN PIT)

6:40 p.m. Wednesday (SN PIT)

12:35 p.m. Thursday (SN PIT)

• Seattle catcher Cal Raleigh’s dropoff is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic in MLB history. A year ago, Raleigh played in 159 games, leading MLB with 60 home runs while collecting 125 RBIs to finish second behind the Yankees’ Aaron Judge for AL MVP. This season, Raleigh has been plagued by injury and, through 42 games, was slashing just .165/.249/.317 with seven homers and 20 RBIs. With Raleigh a non-factor, the Mariners have relied on the offensive production of outfielders Luke Raley (14 homers, 35 RBIs) and Julip Rodrigues (13 homers, 35 RBIs) to stay atop the AL West.

vs. Reds

6:40 p.m. Friday (SN PIT)

4:05 p.m. Saturday (SN PIT)

1:35 p.m. Sunday (SN PIT)

• After a 10-17 month of May, the Reds began June by going 3-9 over their first 12 games and slipped into last place in the NL Central. Next week’s series will thus be an important showdown between divisional rivals desperate to stay in contention. Elly De La Cruz, Cincinnati’s 6-foot-6 shortstop, is batting .280 with 12 homers and 37 RBIs this season. Starter Chase Burns (8-1, 2.01 ERA) is having a dominant season. The Reds are managed by Terry Francona, who grew up in New Brighton.