Corey Seager notches RBI-double in first rehab appearance with Frisco
The Texas Rangers' star shortstop expects to rejoin the club by Monday.
FRISCO — Corey Seager is on the path back to the major leagues. Before he finishes his stint on the injured list, the 2020 World Series MVP is playing north of Arlington for the Double-A Frisco RoughRiders in a rehab assignment.
It was announced Wednesday that Seager would join the Riders as he finishes recovery on a left hamstring strain that has held him out since mid-April.
In his first appearance, Thursday, Seager started at shortstop, hitting second in the order.
Seager’s first trip to the plate ended quickly, as he made contact with the first pitch he saw — resulting in a fly out to left field.
In the third inning, Seager took to the box with a pair of baserunners. He worked a 2-0 count and rocketed a two-seamer from Carlos Luna down the right-field line. It didn’t take too much effort for Seager to make the run to second base, enjoying a pair of RBIs and his first hit since April 11.
Seager suffered the injury making a turn for a double against the Kansas City Royals, pulling up before second and leaving the field slowly.
“It’s fine, I didn’t have any problems with it,” Seager said about his injury. “It was a good day.”
Seager’s third — and final — at-bat he hit for distance, but the ball was caught just before the warning track by Dashawn Keirsey Jr. He would finish 1-for-3 with two RBIs and a double.
The 29-year-old started his major-league season strong, hitting .359 with a .469 OBP and 1.008 OPS through 11 games. Although Texas has remained successful in his absence, thanks in part to the emergence of Ezequiel Durán, they’ll be more than happy to bring back their star shortstop.
“It’s always better — when you can’t play — for the team to be winning,” Seager said. “It’s that much worse when you can’t play and they’re losing. It’s been fun to watch.”
Seager said that his plan is to be the designated hitter for Frisco Friday night and get one final tune-up on Saturday, pending weather. He’ll take the day off Sunday before hoping to join the Rangers for an important three-game series with the Atlanta Braves.