The Texas Rangers’ plan to carefully manage Corey Seager’s workload hit a setback on Tuesday when the star shortstop exited the game against the Cleveland Guardians because of back discomfort.
After receiving Monday off as part of a planned recovery schedule, Seager was slated to bat third and started at shortstop on Tuesday.
However, he left the game after taking the field in the first inning. Rookie Cameron Cauley, who made his MLB debut the day before, entered as a pinch hitter, while Nicky Lopez shifted from second base to shortstop.
The exact cause of Seager’s latest issue remains unclear, but back problems have been a recurring concern throughout his 2026 campaign.
He previously spent time on the 10-day injured list from May 18 to June 4 with lower back inflammation.
Shortly after returning, he was involved in a collision at home plate with Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen on June 11, leading to concussion-like symptoms and a stint on the 7-day concussion injured list beginning June 15.
Seager returned to action last week in Toronto, with the Rangers carefully limiting his workload by alternating playing days and rest days in an effort to keep him healthy.
Tuesday’s game in Cleveland was supposed to be part of that gradual ramp-up before Texas returned home to face the Detroit Tigers.
The two-time World Series MVP has struggled offensively this season, batting .182 with 10 home runs and 25 RBIs in 51 games.
With the All-Star break approaching, another injured-list stint could sideline Seager until after the midseason pause, while the Rangers also hope to have outfielder Wyatt Langford back following his hamstring injury.
