The Los Angeles Dodgers are one win from reaching the World Series for the first time since 1988, and have been impressive against the Chicago Cubs in the National League Championship Series despite Corey Seager not being on the active roster.
Seager suffered a lower back sprain on a slide into second base during Game 3 of the NL Division Series. The injury did not force Seager to an early exit but he was held out of workouts in advance of the NLCS.
Seager received an epidural injection to treat the discomfort but his mobility remained too limited to be included on the NLCS roster. It wasn’t until this week that the 23-year-old was cleared to resume working out.
After successfully completing plyometrics work, Seager advanced to playing catch and will next swing a bat, according to Andy McCullough of the L.A. Times:
Seager played catch Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. He is scheduled to take swings off a batting tee Thursday, which is considered a significant test of his injured lower back.
Seager previously missed time this season due to a sore right elbow. It relegated him to pinch-hit duty in late August and into September. He also was briefly sidelined in June by a minor hamstring strain.
The All-Star shortstop struggled to find his rhythm at the plate but swung the bat well down the stretch of the season. If the Dodgers are to advance to the World Series, Seager would have until Oct. 24 to prepare for game action.
The Dodgers would hold multiple workouts at Dodger Stadium, which would afford him the opportunity to participate in simulated games.
