Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto said outfielder Mitch Haniger will undergo core surgery and is expected to be sidelined for 6-to-8 weeks.
The team said on Thursday Haniger had a setback in his rehab from a ruptured testicle and a groin injury which ended his 2019 season last June. The setback involved an injury to his abdominal core while working out. As such, he'll require a second procedure, which is expected to keep him sidelined for most of spring training -- and possibly the first month of the season
Haniger had a breakout 2018 season, hitting .285/.366/.493 with 26 homers and 93 driven in. At the moment Dipoto believes Haniger will not be up to speed for Opening Day, with a projected start date of late April. Jake Fraley and Braden Bishop are both internal candidates who could fill Haniger's void in the outfield to open the season.
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