SEATTLE -- If you think it’s been a long time since Mitch Haniger got hurt, imagine how Haniger feels. It’s been nine weeks since the Mariners' right fielder underwent surgery to repair a ruptured testicle, and he’s finally getting close to being able to return to the game he loves.

Haniger is taking batting practice and shagging fly balls with his teammates this week, running at about 90 percent and could begin a Minor League rehab stint at some point when the Mariners head out on the road for a nine-game trek following this homestand.

Haniger is careful not to put a specific timeline on his possible return, as he tried doing that once -- about five weeks ago -- and wound up with a setback that cost him another month in his rehab process. But he’s back to feeling normal and, in typical Haniger fashion, is looking to find the positives in his midseason halt.

The 2018 American League All-Star was hitting just .220/.314/.463 with 15 homers and 32 RBIs in 63 games when he fouled the ball off himself that led to his injury, so he’s used this healing time to study his mechanics, refocus his approach and prepare to finish on a good note.

“Everyone wants to do well and finish strong,” said the 28-year-old Haniger. “For me, I’m just buying into controlling what I can control, coming back and getting my work in and being mentally and physically ready to help this team win and finish the year strong.

“I think that’s all every player wants to do the last couple months of the year, just end it on a good note and go into the offseason feeling good. But when everything is going great and you’re having success, it’s tough to really learn from some things. For me at least, I was able to kind of step back and take a look at stuff I’ve been struggling with and now be able to know why and move forward.”

What did he learn specifically?

“Just some mechanical things,” Haniger said. “I was getting too rotational with my swing. Obviously any hitter, when you’re going through a slump, you start pressing more and trying to go after hits instead of staying process-oriented.

"For me, I’ve never been a guy who wasn’t going to work hard. The work has always been there, but just staying committed and focused that it’s going to come around. ... I feel really good with how everything is going and I’m excited to get back out there.”

Rookie center fielder Braden Bishop is on a similar schedule, as he’s also close to being cleared to start playing games again after being sidelined with a lacerated spleen. The Mariners could certainly use the outfield help, as they’ve used utility player Dylan Moore and infielders Ryan Court and now Tim Lopes in the corner spots the past few weeks.

“I’m anxious to get those guys back,” manager Scott Servais said. “We’ve had kind of a revolving door in left field and moving guys around in the outfield, so it’d be nice to get some outfielders back.”

He’ll get no argument from Haniger, who looked good in batting practice Wednesday.

“It’s been good to just get going and start cranking things up,” Haniger said. “It’s a lot better this time. I think everything is fully healed and now it’s just about building up and getting going.”