Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh will return from the injured list Tuesday against Baltimore, ending a month-long absence due to a right oblique strain. The former AL MVP runner-up struggled mightily before his injury, hitting just .161 with seven homers in 41 games while enduring an 0-for-38 hitless streak that marked the longest drought in baseball this season.

Raleigh broke out of his slump just before landing on the IL, collecting two singles in a 10-2 rout of Houston. During his rehab assignment with Triple-A Tacoma, he dominated opposing pitching, batting .412 with five homers and 12 RBIs in four games. The catcher admitted playing through pain before finally acknowledging he needed time off to heal properly.

His return comes at an ideal time for Seattle. The Mariners sit atop the AL West at 37-36, holding a one-game lead over both Oakland and Texas. Interestingly, the team posted a 16-13 record while Raleigh recovered, showing they can compete without their primary backstop.

Raleigh brings much-needed offensive firepower to a lineup that's been scoring consistently. His presence behind the plate and in the batter's box should provide a boost as Seattle looks to maintain their division lead through the summer months.