The Texas Rangers received a major boost on Thursday as star shortstop Corey Seager was activated from the seven-day concussion injured list ahead of their series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Seager had been sidelined since suffering a collision at home plate with a Kansas City Royals catcher on June 11.
Although he remained in the game and even hit a home run later that night, concussion symptoms emerged in the following days, leading to his placement on the injured list.
The veteran missed 12 games during his absence, a stretch in which the Rangers posted a 4-8 record.
The concussion marked Seager’s second significant injury setback this season after he previously missed nearly three weeks with lower back inflammation.
He acknowledged the frustration of dealing with multiple health issues but expressed relief at finally being able to return to action.
Throughout his recovery, Seager battled lingering symptoms, including vision problems and motion sickness, which complicated his efforts to resume baseball activities.
Despite the challenges, he completed the concussion protocol and rejoined the lineup Thursday, finishing 0-for-3 with two walks in Texas’ 6-5 victory.
Manager Skip Schumaker said the organization is thrilled to have Seager back but plans to be cautious with his workload.
With the Rangers currently navigating a stretch of 15 consecutive games, the club intends to monitor Seager closely and provide regular rest days until at least the team’s next scheduled off-day on July 3.
Although Seager has struggled offensively this season, batting .183 with nine home runs and 24 RBIs, his presence remains critical to the Rangers.
Since the start of 2023, Texas has played significantly better with him in the lineup than without him.
His return also allows utilityman Ezequiel Duran to move back into a more flexible role after filling in at shortstop during Seager’s absence.
Duran shifted to third base on Thursday while regular third baseman Josh Jung received a scheduled day off.
In other roster news, the Rangers placed Cody Freeman on the 10-day injured list with a herniated disk and released infielder Blaine Crim, who had been playing at Triple-A Round Rock after being claimed off waivers earlier this season.
