In between games of today’s doubleheader with the Angels, the Mariners reinstated outfielder Mitch Haniger from the 60-day injured list. Abraham Toro was optioned to Triple-A in the corresponding move.
Haniger has played in just nine games this year, due to both a two-week stint on the COVID-related IL to begin the season, and then this extended trip on the 60-day IL because of a Grade 2 high ankle sprain. Tonight’s game will mark just the second time Haniger has been able to take the field since April 15. 2022 has been another injury-plagued year for Haniger, who missed over half of the 2019 season and the entire 2020 season due to a ruptured testicle.
Haniger had emerged as a productive bat for the Mariners in 2017-18, and was named to the AL All-Star team in 2018. Returning from his long layoff last year, Haniger basically picked up right where he left off, hitting .253/.318/.485 with 39 home runs over 691 plate appearances and 157 games in 2021.
A healthy and in-form Haniger is an enormous boost to the Mariners’ chances of finally returning to the postseason for the first time 2001. It’s probably safe to assume that he’ll get a few extra DH days to ease back into the lineup, but Haniger’s return as the regular right fielder will move Adam Frazier back into full-time second base work. Julio Rodriguez is still recovering from a wrist injury, but a Seattle outfield featuring Rodriguez and Haniger is a much more daunting challenge for opposing pitchers.
With a little less than two months remaining in the regular season, Haniger will get at least some kind of a platform to post some numbers and add to his market as a free agent this winter. Between his injury history and his age (Haniger will be 32 on Opening Day), the outfielder will need a big finish to give himself a shot at a lucrative multi-year contract. With the qualifying offer now back in play for all free agents, Haniger could be an intriguing candidate to receive and perhaps accept a QO, presuming the Mariners are willing to make what would be a $18MM-$19MM investment in Haniger on a one-year deal.
And so it begins!
I really feel bad for him having a ruptured testicle. Doesn’t sound fun.
Understatement of the day.
You remain AboveAverageCommenter
I don’t see them giving him an 18-19 Million qualifying offer. That’s just too much.
I have a feeling he’ll end up a Padre on a prove it contract this offseason. They’ll need an inexpensive DH/LF option..especially if Bell leaves.
I hope Mitch still has some ability and skills left.
I like the guy but he is just too injury-prone.
I do wish him well, though, and I hope he hits .300 for the rest of the season.
“missed over half of the 2019 season and the entire 2020 season due to a ruptured testicle.” How this happen and why I am now more fearful in this current moment. Help me
I believe he swan and miss. The ball hit his testicles so hard Mitch has never really been the same. It’s sad…
He hit 40 home runs last year…
@OK, he just got hit by a hard line drive and terrible bad hop, as I recall.
And I believe that, unlike Adrian Beltre who also got hit in the crotch earlier, Mitch was wearing a cup.
The thing about Mitch was, he had no fear and that was one of the things that made him great.
It also led to him getting hurt more than most players. He had a jaw and some teeth broken another time because he wasn’t afraid of the ball.
Foul ball
He was batting and fouled off a fastball in a very unfortunate manner.
If he puts up some solid numbers the last 55 games, i say give him QO from the M’s. He’s a great clubhouse guy and still is more than worthy out in RF. Haniger plays great when he is ofn the field. I can’t see how getting more than a 3 year deal but may make more if he balls out for M’s in 2023
Ball out. The other one is ruptured.
Finally. I couldn’t take another Toro at bat. Hopefully going down to Tacoma can help him out.
I wish Felix Hernandez could still be a viable option. Him and Seager both deserve a chance at winning with this team.
Definitely worth a shot with the QO. He’s a big time player when healthy. The ruptured testicle was just a freak accident.
What ever happen to Trammel? I thought he was making some inroads. This outfield position seems to be heaped upon I kinda felt that way about the way Jerry goes after pitching as well. He sure is active on that waiver wire as well.