MitchHaniger

News: 5 days agoHaniger will be fully healthy for spring training, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Spin: General manager Jerry Dipoto called Haniger a "full go." It's possible there's some optimism there, but it's generally believable given that it's been quite some time since the outfielder's latest injury. Groin and back injuries cut his 2019 campaign short after just 63 games, while back surgery in February of 2020 kept him out for all of last season. Haniger could be quite a useful player if he's fully back to normal, as he's a career .267/.348/.480 hitter, but it's hard to have confidence in him staying healthy and productive all season given his long list of injury woes.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Haniger's health is a big question mark heading into 2020. He suffered a freak injury last year when he fouled a ball off his groin, rupturing a testicle. While rehabbing, Haniger's back became sore, he did not respond well to treatment, and the Mariners eventually gave up hope for a September return. In late September, it was reported that Haniger would not have any restrictions this spring, but Haniger was ultimately forced to undergo hernia surgery in late January. It was estimated that he'd need 6-to-8 weeks to recover, though GM Jerry Dipoto would not commit to that timetable. With Opening Day in doubt, and after a significant strikeout rate spike in his age-28 season to 28.6%, Haniger is a true wild card. In mixed leagues without IL spots, he's borderline. At least we know he'll play when (if?) he gets healthy.