Corey Seager is taking a rehab assignment with Double-A Frisco tonight. That’s the big step. The Texas Rangers have been without their star shortstop for a month now, and the lineup has felt it every single day.
Seager has been dealing with back issues that just wouldn’t let up. Earlier this season he also went through a concussion. The guy can’t catch a break. But this rehab game with Frisco is the clearest sign yet that he’s close to actually playing again.
Jeff Wilson reported the news on X. Seager is scheduled to suit up for Frisco on Tuesday night. From there, the hope is he returns to Arlington this weekend when the Rangers visit the Houston Astros.
A slow season for a big bat
Seager’s numbers this year look weird if you’re used to watching him rake. He’s hitting just .182 with 10 homers and 25 RBIs. That’s not the Corey Seager who signed that massive contract and helped win a World Series. But injuries will do that to a guy.
The Rangers have somehow stayed competitive without him. They lead the AL West with a 54-52 record, two games ahead of Houston. That lead is fragile though. Getting Seager back could be what keeps them out of a dogfight.
“Every day he says he feels good, I’m really happy,” Rangers manager Skip Schumaker told MLB.com. “I’m hoping it continues as far as trending that direction. It’s always encouraging. I’m always happy when I hear an update about Corey doing well.”
Seager himself sounds cautious. Back problems are tricky. You don’t just shake those off in a couple days.
“I would love to tell you ‘Yes,’” Seager said when asked about returning this weekend. “Well, as you know, backs are not … what you want. Honestly, just getting back is kind of the priority. I just want to be out there again.”
Texas plays Tampa Bay on Tuesday night. Seager won’t be in that lineup. But Frisco is a start. If the rehab goes smoothly, he could be back in the big leagues by Friday. The Rangers need him. The division is too tight for much more waiting.
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