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A new role for Mitch Haniger
Like most Mariner fans, general manager Justin Hollander's reacquisition of Mitch Haniger tugged at my heartstrings. From the clutch hits to the grinder attitude, Haniger embodied what we all wanted in a Mariner, and his coming back home was a fantastic story. However, he's underperforming in the batter's box (.197/.258/.596) and in the field (-3 OAA).
An error by Mitch Haniger in right field turns an 0-2, two-out single from Will Brennan into a run after José Ramírez is able to race all the way home from first base.
— Daniel Kramer (@DKramer_) April 3, 2024
Bo Naylor then follows with a two-run homer to put the Mariners behind, 3-0, here in the 4th inning. pic.twitter.com/79IbGxYxjA
Haniger's subpar defensive performance, combined with Mitch Garver's being a full-time designated hitter, puts Servais in a bind because both Mitches should be bat-only players. Servais has a strategic move to make here, and it's in the mold of protecting a player with flaws. He did this in 2022 with Dylan Moore and Sam Haggerty, only playing them against opposite-handed pitching and getting the best out of two role players. The result was career years for both players (combined 3.9 WAR).
Luke Raley's emergence, teamed with Haniger's quarter-season slump, is reason enough to play the 33-year-old against lefties. Mitch Haniger is a veteran with an injury history who will always need load management. It's time to embrace reality; Haniger isn't an everyday player. Play him 2-3 times a week, and put the clubhouse leader in the best situation to succeed.