Star Shortstop Corey Seager Placed on 10-Day Injured List with Thumb Sprain
ARLINGTON — The Texas Rangers will once again have to navigate a stretch of games without their star shortstop Corey Seager, who has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a right thumb sprain. Seager suffered the injury during Friday night’s game against the Dodgers when he jammed his thumb while sliding into second base.
Seager expressed his disappointment with the injury, but also acknowledged that it could have been much worse. X-rays conducted immediately after the incident came back negative, and an MRI performed the following day revealed no structural damage. As a result, the team is hopeful that Seager will only require the full 10 days to recover and allow the inflammation to subside. This is the second time Seager has landed on the injured list this season, with his previous stint lasting 31 games due to a left hamstring strain.
The absence of Seager will undoubtedly be felt by the Rangers, as he has been one of their most productive hitters this season. In 66 games, Seager boasts a .350 batting average, 15 home runs, 58 RBIs, and an impressive 1.044 OPS. He ranks among the American League leaders in doubles, extra-base hits, and RBIs. Since returning from his previous injury, Seager has been on a tear, slashing .348/.402/.647 with 14 home runs, 25 doubles, and 54 RBIs in 55 games.
However, the Rangers have already proven that they can succeed without Seager in the lineup. During his previous absence, the team went 19-13 and showcased one of the best offenses in Major League Baseball. Over that span, they compiled a .271/.342/.450 slash line with a 119 wRC+, scoring 200 runs, the most in MLB during that period.
Manager Bruce Bochy expressed confidence in the team’s ability to overcome this setback, noting that they have successfully dealt with Seager’s absence before. Utilityman Ezequiel Duran, who stepped in at shortstop during Seager’s previous injury, will likely fill the role once again. In 29 games during that stretch, Duran performed admirably, hitting .303/.339/.532 with six home runs and 21 RBIs. Duran started at shortstop in the team’s recent matchup against the Dodgers and contributed a hit, a walk, and a run in Saturday’s loss.
Pitcher Dane Dunning echoed Bochy’s sentiments, emphasizing the team’s competitive nature and talent. He expressed confidence in Duran’s ability to make an impact both offensively and defensively. Bochy plans to construct his lineup similarly to how he did during Seager’s previous absence and commended the entire team’s resolve in stepping up when called upon.
While the Rangers will miss Seager’s presence on the field, they are optimistic that they can continue their strong performance without him. The team has proven their resilience in the face of adversity, and they are fully prepared to tackle the challenge once again.