Mariners' Haniger suffers setback in rehab from ruptured testicle

Seattle Mariners outfielder Mitch Haniger suffered a setback during his rehab from a ruptured testicle and will undergo core surgery, team general manager Jerry Dipoto said Thursday, according to Greg Johns of MLB.com.

Haniger will likely miss six-to-eight weeks. That means a late start to spring training, which begins in one month. Dipoto said Haniger will probably miss Opening Day, according to Ian Furness of 950 KJR.

The 29-year-old former All-Star was held to 63 games in 2019 after being injured in early June. Haniger hit .220/.314/.463 with 15 homers and four stolen bases.

Dipoto acknowledged that Haniger's injury means multiple options are possible for the Mariners' outfield, with Mallex Smith in center the only guarantee, according to Lauren Smith of the Tacoma News Tribune. Jake Fraley, Braden Bishop, and Kyle Lewis all represent viable options.