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MLB news: Mitch Haniger of San Francisco Giants could miss Opening Day

Haniger, one of the biggest splashes made this offseason by the Giants, was diagnosed with a Grade 1 oblique strain after taking a swing on Friday. Haniger was scheduled to play in a spring training game later that day but was kept out of the lineup because of the strain.

It has been estimated that the type of oblique strain suffered by the 32-year-old Haniger takes roughly four weeks to recover from, meaning that, with that time, Haniger would not be available when San Francisco travels to the Bronx to meet the Yankees on March 30 for Opening Day.

Haniger was expected to be the starting right fielder for the Giants this season but, if he misses time, the Giants would need to shuffle their outfield, with Michael Conforto perhaps doing more than just serving as the team’s designated hitter. Austin Slater, who could also provide depth at the position, has been battling elbow issues in spring training. He has just begun a throwing program, so it could be some time until the Giants know when he will be an option for them in the outfield.