Rangers Bid Farewell to Seager and Semien as Playoff Dreams Dim
The Texas Rangers have officially decided to shut down their star middle infielders, Corey Seager and Marcus Semien, for the remainder of the regular season, marking a significant blow to their playoff aspirations. Manager Bruce Bochy announced on Monday that neither player would be activated from the 10-day injured list, effectively ending their seasons.
Injuries Signal End of the Season
The Rangers’ decision comes as they face the stark reality of playoff elimination. Semien, who has been sidelined since August 23 due to a fractured third metatarsal in his foot and a lisfranc sprain, was initially hopeful for a return before season’s end. His recovery was anticipated to take four to six weeks, but the team has opted for caution.
Seager’s situation is no less troublesome. He has been on the injured list since August 29 following an appendectomy. This marks a disappointing conclusion for Seager, who has been a pivotal figure for the franchise since signing a blockbuster 10-year, $325 million contract.
Corey Seager’s Season Recap
In his fourth year with the Rangers, Seager’s performance has been a mixture of highs and lows. He finishes the season with a respectable slash line of .271/.373/.487 across 102 games, including 21 home runs and 50 RBIs. However, this year also marks the fewest games he has played since his final season with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2021, where he appeared in 95 games.
Seager’s season was marred by injuries, notably missing significant time due to a left hamstring strain earlier in the year. This unfortunate trend kept him from reaching the 30-home run mark, a feat he had achieved consistently since joining the Rangers. Over his impressive nine-year career, Seager has garnered accolades such as National League Rookie of the Year, five All-Star selections, three Silver Slugger awards, and two World Series championships, along with being named World Series MVP twice.
Marcus Semien’s Season Assessment
Meanwhile, Semien’s season has also been clouded by struggles at the plate. In the midst of a seven-year, $175 million contract, he has been a reliable everyday player, boasting durability with at least 159 games played each season since 2021. Remarkably, he played all 162 games in both 2021 and 2023, contributing significantly during the latter season which culminated in the Rangers’ World Series victory.
This season marks a stark contrast for Semien as his performance has dipped. Currently, his slash line stands at .230/.305/.364 with 15 home runs and 64 RBIs, representing his lowest offensive output since joining the Rangers. As he prepares to enter his age 35 season in 2026, Semien will do so with over $60 million remaining on his contract.
With both Seager and Semien out for the season, the Rangers face an uphill battle as they look to regroup and reassess their strategy moving forward. The absence of these two key players leaves a significant void in both the lineup and the team’s leadership on the field.
