Mariners outfielder Mitch Haniger had a second surgery in three weeks to address ongoing issues with a on Thursday.
Haniger made a post to his instagram account from a hospital bed about the surgery.
"F#*% injuries! 2nd surgery today in the last 3 weeks," Haniger wrote. "Not how I imagined heading into the 2020 season but I’m really excited to start this recovery process and build myself back up. I’ll do whatever it takes to come back even better than I’ve ever been!"
Haniger's sports hernia developed as an eventual complication from the ruptured testicle he sustained last season. He had his first surgery to address the hernia in January and was already expected to miss the start of the regular season for Seattle. The most recent surgery was to address a back injury that surfaced in recent days, according to Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times.
The Mariners claimed Jose Siri off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds and are expected to be add Carlos Gonzalez to the roster as a minor league signing with an invite to major league spring training as well. While the team is looking to get playing time for young prospects Kyle Lewis, Jake Fraley and Braden Bishop, the need for additional depth with Siri and Gonzalez certainly makes sense with Haniger's setback.
General manager Jerry Dipoto has already said they fully intend to give Haniger as much time as necessary for him to return to full strength. Haniger hasn't played since June 6 of last year as the injury and subsequent complications from the foul ball to the groin forced him to miss the remainder of the 2019 season.
Photo Credit: CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 03: Catcher Kevin Plawecki #27 of the Cleveland Indians returns the ball as Mitch Haniger #17 of the Seattle Mariners walks away after striking out during the third inning at Progressive Field on May 03, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)