In between video games of in the present day’s doubleheader with the Angels, the Mariners reinstated outfielder Mitch Haniger from the 60-day injured record. Abraham Toro was optioned to Triple-A within the corresponding transfer.
Haniger has performed in simply 9 video games this 12 months, attributable to each a two-week stint on the COVID-related IL to start the season, after which this prolonged journey on the 60-day IL due to a Grade 2 excessive ankle sprain. Tonight’s sport will mark simply the second time Haniger has been capable of take the sphere since April 15. 2022 has been one other injury-plagued 12 months for Haniger, who missed over half of the 2019 season and the whole 2020 season attributable 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 crew in 2018. Coming back from his lengthy layoff final 12 months, Haniger principally picked up proper the place he left off, hitting .253/.318/.485 with 39 house runs over 691 plate appearances and 157 video games in 2021.
A wholesome and in-form Haniger is a gigantic increase to the Mariners’ possibilities of lastly returning to the postseason for the primary time 2001. It’s most likely protected to imagine that he’ll get a couple of further DH days to ease again into the lineup, however Haniger’s return because the common proper fielder will transfer Adam Frazier again into full-time second base work. Julio Rodriguez remains to be recovering from a wrist damage, however a Seattle outfield that includes Rodriguez and Haniger is a way more daunting problem for opposing pitchers.
With rather less than two months remaining within the common season, Haniger will get at the very least some form of a platform to submit some numbers and add to his market as a free agent this winter. Between his damage historical past and his age (Haniger might be 32 on Opening Day), the outfielder will want a giant end to offer himself a shot at a profitable multi-year contract. With the qualifying supply now again in play for all free brokers, Haniger might be an intriguing candidate to obtain and maybe settle for a QO, presuming the Mariners are prepared to make what can be a $18MM-$19MM funding in Haniger on a one-year deal.
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