Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager moved a step closer to returning from the injured list this week after beginning a rehab assignment with Double-A Frisco.
Playing in his first game on Tuesday, Seager went 1-for-2 with a walk, launched a home run, and made an impressive defensive play while continuing his recovery from lower back inflammation that has sidelined him since July 1.
Manager Skip Schumaker was pleased with Seager’s performance and, more importantly, the fact that he came through the game healthy.
Schumaker said the reports were encouraging, highlighting Seager’s defensive range, quality at-bats, and overall readiness as exactly what the club hoped to see.
Seager was scheduled to play a second consecutive rehab game on Wednesday before taking Thursday off, with Friday’s series opener against the Houston Astros viewed as the earliest possible date for his return if everything continues to go smoothly.
Texas entered Wednesday with a two-game lead over Houston atop the American League West standings.
The 32-year-old has been limited to just 51 games this season due to multiple injuries, including a concussion and recurring back issues.
Schumaker noted that Seager will ultimately determine when he feels ready to rejoin the major league lineup, explaining that the veteran preferred to play back-to-back rehab games after missing significant time.
