Seattle first baseman Josh Naylor rejoined the Mariners' lineup for Wednesday's series finale against the Mets, recovering from back spasms that forced him out of Monday's game. Despite the injury occurring after he hit a game-tying home run, Naylor showed enough improvement to start after taking Tuesday off as a precaution.

Manager Dan Wilson confirmed Naylor feels significantly better, providing a boost to a Mariners team riding eight straight wins and holding a 2½-game lead in the AL West. The first baseman has steadily improved this season, posting a .254 average with six homers and 25 RBIs after a brutal start that saw him hit just .102 through the first 15 games.

Naylor's turnaround mirrors his strong finish to 2025, when he batted .299 with nine homers and 33 RBIs in 54 games following his trade from Arizona. His $92.5 million contract extension signed in November looks like a bargain so far, especially with Seattle's offense clicking during their winning streak.

Meanwhile, catcher Cal Raleigh continues progressing from his May 14 oblique strain, taking swings and likely heading to a rehab assignment during the upcoming 10-game road trip. Raleigh snapped a 0-for-38 skid last week but still sits at .161 with seven homers in 41 games.