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.

Mariners expect Haniger to miss start of season

Via www.espn.com
 

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