WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Eleven days after landing on the injured list for the first time in his career, Cal Raleigh took his first small step in his return from a strained right oblique.

The Mariners’ star catcher resumed what manager Dan Wilson described as “light throwing” Monday as he continues his rehabilitation at the team’s facility in Arizona.

“That’s a good sign,” Wilson said Monday afternoon, ahead of a series against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. “But, again, you really have to be careful with the obliques, as we’ve talked about, and take it slow. I know he’s put a lot of work in prior to this with the rotation stuff and building the strength and getting it back, and so in terms of a progression, I think he’s on pace with where we would hope.”

After landing on the IL on May 14, Raleigh acknowledged his time away from the team was “going to suck,” and Wilson said he has encouraged Raleigh to be patient.

“He is such a competitor,” Wilson said. “And I know watching the game when he does, it’s got to be hard for him. That’s always the hardest part of the IL. But I’m happy to hear the way things are going with him, and I think he’s getting to a good spot.”

The Mariners have not placed a timeline on Raleigh’s return.

Speier nearing return

The Mariners’ bullpen is getting closer to full strength.

A few days after Matt Brash was reinstated from the IL, veteran left-hander Gabe Speier (left shoulder inflammation) made his second rehab appearance, needing just nine pitches to throw a perfect inning for the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers on Saturday.

Speier joined the Mariners in West Sacramento on Monday and could return from the IL in the next day or two.

“A chance to see how he bounces back today and hopefully join us soon,” Wilson said.

ESPN selects M’s-O’s game

The Mariners’ series finale at Baltimore on Thursday, June 11 has been selected for an ESPN broadcast, the network announced Monday.

The game is set for a 4 p.m. PT start at Camden Yards. That game is the seventh in a 10-game, 10-day trip the Mariners will make through Detroit, Baltimore and Washington D.C.

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