Evan White has reportedly been diagnosed with a sports hernia and will undergo surgery, in another setback to his Major League career with the Mariners.
The potential surrounding Evan White has never been in doubt, hence why the Mariners selected him 17th overall in the 2017 MLB draft. He was subsequently named to the 2019 All-Star Futures Game and later on that same year signed a six-year, $24 million Major League deal.
White went on to make his Major League debut for the Mariners on opening day in 2020. He struggled with his bat, but impressed at first base — including leading all AL first baseman with seven defensive runs saved — and went on to win his first Gold Glove Award.
Unfortunately for the 25-year-old, last year proved to be a step back in his development. He was placed on the 60-day injured list with a left hip flexor strain in June and eventually underwent season-ending hip surgery.
Hopes were high for White to make a full recover and continue to progress in 2022, but he has now suffered another injury setback. As reported by Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times, he has been diagnosed with a sports hernia after suffering a groin injury.
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The Columbus, Ohio native seemingly tweaked his surgically-repaired hip on Thursday, while playing against the Cleveland Guardians. He is now in the process of deciding on a surgeon and wants to undergo the procedure as soon as possible.
This is understandably a tough break for White and the Mariners, who had made a point of being extra cautious with his recovery from last season’s surgery. Expect the ball club to take a similarly cautious approach after this latest setback.
As per Cleveland Clinic, people with a sports hernia can usually fully return to their sport or activities between six and 12 weeks. All things considered, Mariners fans should anticipate White returning around the mid-point of the regular season.
In the meantime, Ty France is expected to take over most of the duties at first base. However, as per Divish, it’s interesting to note recent acquisition Jesse Winker was working out at first base on Saturday.
What is your take on White’s latest setback? Are you concerned about his ongoing injury issues, or do you still fully expect the first baseman to go on and have a productive career with the Mariners? Let us know in the comments section below.
Seattle Sports Daily 