Corey Seager eyes comeback as Rangers hope for timely return to boost AL Wild Card pursuit
The Texas Rangers are holding onto hope as shortstop Corey Seager nears a potential return to the lineup. With the regular season winding down, his comeback could provide a significant boost in their pursuit of the American League Wild Card.
Seager’s Potential Return Timeline
On Friday, uncertainty surrounded Seager’s return, but by Monday, manager Bruce Bochy shed some light on the situation. He indicated that Seager is likely more than a week away from stepping back onto the field, though there’s a possibility he could make it back just in time for the Rangers’ final homestand, which kicks off on September 19 against the Miami Marlins.
This optimistic update coincided with good news regarding right fielder Adolis Garcia and starting pitcher Tyler Mahle, both of whom are also working their way back from injuries. If Seager can return for the homestand, he would have a crucial handful of games to contribute to the Rangers’ playoff aspirations, particularly as they vie for the final AL Wild Card spot.
The Injury That Halted Seager’s Season
Seager’s path to recovery began with an emergency appendectomy on August 28, after he experienced symptoms that escalated over a few days. The shortstop even had to exit a game on August 27 against the Los Angeles Angels, where the Rangers held a commanding 10-0 lead. Following the surgery, Texas placed Seager on the 10-day injured list, a decision made on the same day as his procedure.
Reflecting on his condition, Seager noted that his appendix was just “48 hours away” from rupturing, a scenario that could have derailed his season entirely. After addressing the media, he met with doctors to discuss his recovery. He expressed uncertainty about his timeline, citing a broad range of recovery experiences from others who had undergone similar procedures. Notably, former Major League star Matt Holliday made a swift return, coming back just nine days post-appendectomy.
Impact on the Rangers’ Season
As the Rangers gear up for a critical weekend series against the Houston Astros without Seager, they face challenges. This marks Seager’s third stint on the injured list this season. In 102 games, he has posted a solid .271 batting average with a .373 on-base percentage, 21 home runs, and 50 RBIs. If he cannot return, this would be the fewest games he has played in a full season since 2021, when he appeared in just 95 games.
As for the rest of the squad, Garcia, who has been sidelined with a grade two quad injury, showed promising signs by working out on Monday and could be ready to return for next week’s road series against the Astros. Meanwhile, Mahle, who has been inactive since June with right shoulder fatigue, is aiming to make a start this weekend against the New York Mets after successfully completing his second rehab assignment.
With the season’s end approaching, the Rangers are racing against time to reintegrate their key players into the lineup, hoping to solidify their position in the playoff race. Seager’s potential return could be pivotal in that pursuit.
