Haniger went 2-for-4 with two doubles in a loss to the Giants on Monday, pushing his season average to .353 (6-for-17) across his first four games.

EDGE Analysis

Any doubts as to whether Haniger's swing would rebound after he lost nearly two seasons to injury have been answered in the early going. The 30-year-old has hit safely in each of Seattle's first four games, and three of his four hits over the last two contests have gone for extra bases (two doubles and a homer).

Haniger went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and a double in Saturday's victory over the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

Haniger put the exclamation point on the Mariners' win with a seventh-inning solo shot to provide a four-run cushion. The blast was his first since 2019 -- he missed all of 2020 while recovering from a pair or surgeries. Haniger looks to be back to full health this season as he has started each of Seattle's first three games, going a combined 4-for-13.

Haniger will start in right field and bat leadoff Thursday against the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

Making his first appearance in a regular-season game since June 6, 2019, Haniger heads into Opening Day healthy after spending the past season and a half in recovery from a sports hernia surgery and a microdiscectomy. The latter procedure in particular warrants some justifiable concern about Haniger's durability over a 162-game schedule, but while he's available, he's expected to serve as Seattle's full-time leadoff hitter. The 30-year-old showed little rust during the Cactus League slate, posting an .818 OPS over 47 at-bats.

Haniger was scratched from the lineup for Friday's spring game against Cincinnati since the field was wet, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Haniger was initially slated to lead off Friday, but his removal from the lineup isn't related to any injury. If conditions improve, the outfielder should be available Saturday.

Haniger was a late scratch from the lineup for Friday's spring game against the Reds for an unspecified reason, Corey Brock of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Mariners didn't provide a reason for Haniger's removal from the lineup. Luis Liberato will lead off in his place, while Julio Rodriguez will shift to right field.

Haniger, who thrived in the leadoff role over 45 games in 2018, is a candidate to see time at the top of the order in the coming season, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports. "I love having [Haniger] back," manager Scott Servais said. "He can really hit anywhere from one to five in your lineup. You know you're going to get a good at-bat from him."

EDGE Analysis

Haniger appears to be all the way back from the myriad of injuries that plagued him over the last 21 months, as he's followed up strong showings in early spring camp batting practices with a .308 average (4-for-13), two doubles, one home run, four RBI and three runs across his first six Cactus League games. Servais noted Wednesday that Haniger's past success at the top of the order -- from which he produced a .330/.388/.580 slash with 19 doubles, two triples and eight home runs during his All-Star 2018 campaign -- could make him an ideal occasional alternative to the left-handed J.P. Crawford in the No. 1 hole.

Haniger went 1-for-2 with a three-run home run in a Cactus League tie with the Rockies on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

So far this spring, Haniger has bore a striking resemblance to the rising star that he profiled as during the 2018 and 2019 seasons before injuries derailed him for the last three months of the latter campaign and all of 2020. Haniger set the tone even before Cactus League games began with some impressive batting practice performances in camp, and Thursday's production gives him a hit in all three spring games, including two extra-base hits overall.

Haniger went 1-for-2 with a run in the Mariners' 5-4 Cactus League win over the Padres on Sunday, his first game action since June 6, 2019.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran outfielder legged out an infield single in his first at-bat, immediately breaking the ice in his long-awaited return to action. Haniger admitted that plenty of nerves accompanied his excitement in getting back on the field and credited his recent productive batting-practice sessions with giving him some much-needed confidence. Manager Scott Servais opted to pull Haniger in the top of the fourth inning for Jarred Kelenic, and Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports short games could be a common theme for Haniger early in the Cactus League schedule. Additionally, the 30-year-old could see some time at designated hitter as he acclimates back into game action.

Haniger hit several towering fly balls during Saturday's batting practice session, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Any positive news regarding Haniger is welcome at this point after how difficult the last 18-plus months have been on the outfielder from a health perspective. The veteran has been cleared for all activities during spring training after focusing heavily on improving body movement as opposed to building strength, and it's resulted in what he feels is an improved swing. Despite last having seen game action in June 2019, Haniger opens spring training as the projected starter in right field, with Jake Fraley likely his primary competitor at the onset.

Haniger will be fully healthy for spring training, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

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.