Mariners: Sam Haggerty likely done for the season

Sam Haggerty’s breakout season is probably over, after the Seattle Mariners placed him on the 10-day injured list with a left groin strain.

Sam Haggerty has been an underrated but key component this year, in the Mariners’ run to a playoff spot. Unfortunately for everyone concerned, he won’t be available for the Wild Card series in Toronto and is probably finished for the year.

The Mariners have placed Haggerty on the 10-day injured list, with a left groin strain. Frustratingly for the team, he sustained the injury on an easy steal in Monday night’s game versus Detroit.

The 28-year-old slide awkwardly feet-first into second base during the ninth inning. It was immediately clear something was wrong, as he writhed in pain.

Haggerty had to be helped off the field and he was on crutches afterwards in the clubhouse. While the hope is he won’t need surgery, it hasn’t been ruled out at this stage.

Breakout season

There is little doubt Haggerty will be missed following a breakout season. His speed, versatility, improved bat and energy were welcome for the Mariners in 2022.

The Phoenix, Arizona native had a slash line of .256/.335/.403 in 83 games. He produced five home runs, 23 RBIs, 18 walks, 13 stolen bases and 29 runs.

Haggerty also proved to be very consistent on defense, which mostly came in the outfield. Despite not being a regular starter, he was second on the team with a 0.7 Defensive Wins Above Replacement.

Haggerty is under club control for another four years and you would expect the Mariners to keep him around. This year he had a base guaranteed salary of $700,000.

Manager Scott Servais understandably felt bad for Haggerty, but made a point of reminding him what he meant to the team. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Servais said:

“I texted him last night to remind him he has been really important to what we’ve done this year. He’s helped us win a number of games and in all different aspects of the game with his base-running, his defense and getting a big hit. It’s been a phenomenal year for him, but stuff happens. We have to keep moving down the road.”

As a result of Haggerty going to the IL, the Mariners recalled Abraham Toro from Triple-A Tacoma. Toro has appeared in 106 Major League games this season and similarly offers versatility, having seen playing time at all the infield bases, as well as in right field and as a designated hitter.

What is you overall take on how Haggerty has performed for the Mariners this season? Do you see him continuing to improve next year? Let us know in the comments section below.