Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts suggested Corey Seager not report to Camelback Ranch for the start of Spring Training until position players were due in camp. The 2016 National League Rookie of the Year respectfully declined to heed his manager’s advice, and reported early.
But outside of the first week’s worth of workouts, Seager has been limited throughout the spring due to multiple injuries. He sustained a bruised shin after fouling a pitch off, and was sent for x-rays which came back negative.
After missing a stretch of games, Seager returned on March 3 but has yet to play since. He suffered from upper back soreness the following day as a result of an awkward spin and throw on a double play attempt.
The Dodgers have been cautious with Seager’s recovery, and pushed back his projected return date multiple occasions. Roberts said on Thursday the 22-year-old shortstop was cleared to resume throwing and considered it notable progress, per Alanna Rizzo of SportsNet LA:
Seager will take grounders today and throw between60-90 feet.
— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) March 16, 2017
Seager throwing is a "medium-sized" step according to Roberts, as he hurt oblique throwing.
— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) March 16, 2017
Seager didn’t experience any issues in his first workout since suffering the injury, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
Corey Seager (oblique) said he ran, threw, took 25 to 30 swings at half speed and felt fine. "It was fun sweating," he said.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) March 16, 2017
Last spring, Seager suffered from a mild left knee sprain that at one point put his availability for the start of the regular season in some jeopardy. Much like in 2016, the Dodgers maintain Seager’s latest brush with injury is not considered serious or a long-term issue.