The Texas Rangers received a welcome dose of optimism heading into their upcoming series against the Toronto Blue Jays, as star shortstop Corey Seager is expected to make his return to the lineup.
Seager has been sidelined for several days with a minor hamstring issue, but manager Bruce Bochy indicated that the team fully anticipates he’ll be ready for action in the opener.
The All-Star shortstop has resumed light baseball activities, and barring any setbacks, he’ll be available when the Rangers take the field against Toronto.
Seager’s potential return is a significant boost for a Rangers lineup that has struggled to find consistency in recent games.
Despite missing time, Seager has remained one of the team’s most reliable offensive threats, batting .289 with 11 home runs and 36 RBIs so far this season.
His presence in the heart of the order gives Texas a much-needed spark, especially against a competitive Blue Jays team fighting for position in the AL East.
The Rangers have been cautious with Seager’s recovery, prioritizing long-term health over a rushed comeback. With the team firmly in the playoff hunt, avoiding re-aggravation of the injury has been a top priority.
Bochy emphasized that Seager would only return when he was 100% ready, noting that the training staff has monitored his progress closely to ensure a safe return to game action.
While rookie infielder Josh Smith filled in admirably during Seager’s absence, his return allows Texas to reset their infield defensively and restore their regular lineup.
It also provides a psychological edge; Seager’s leadership and clutch hitting have been vital to the Rangers’ success since his arrival in Arlington.
Facing a tough stretch of games ahead, including the Blue Jays and other playoff-caliber teams, having Seager back in the lineup couldn’t come at a better time.
With Seager likely rejoining the roster, the Rangers will look to start the series strong at Globe Life Field.
The team hopes his return not only stabilizes the lineup but sets the tone for a critical stretch of the season. All eyes will be on the shortstop when the Rangers and Blue Jays clash, as Seager’s presence could be the key difference in a tightly contested series.
