More than three weeks after landing on the injured list with a ruptured testicle, Seattle Mariners All-Star outfielder Mitch Haniger likely won’t return to the team until after the All-Star Break.
While Haniger was able to take batting practice earlier this week, the team determined Haniger overworked himself during the rehab process and will now have to delay his timetable for a return.
Haniger was one of Seattle’s best hitters for much of the season with 15 home runs and a .777 OPS through 64 games, though he also posted a career-worst .220 batting average after hitting .280-plus in 2017 and 2018.
The 28-year-old fouled a ball off his groin on June 6 against the Houston Astros and was able to remain in the game for a short time before being pulled. Tests ultimately determined he suffered a ruptured testicle and it has sidelined him ever since.
Given the nature of the injury and Seattle’s placement at the bottom of the AL West likely means the club will exercise extreme caution with Haniger’s recovery and bring him along slowly.