The Los Angeles Dodgers began their homestand Tuesday night against the Texas Rangers, who were without Corey Seager for the fourth consecutive game.
Seager hasn’t played since last Wednesday, when he was removed early due to left hamstring tightness.
“Definitely trending (in the right direction). Feeling better every day, so that’s a positive,” he said during a press conference before first pitch of the series opener at Dodger Stadium.
Seager added he wasn’t certain of his availability moving forward for remainder of the matchup against his former team and had hoped five days of rest would’ve amounted to returning to the lineup Tuesday.
“Obviously you want it to always be faster than what it is, but we’re still in the middle of the season. You’re trying not to miss an extended amount of time,” Seager said. “If an extra day is what you need to not do that, it’s the smart thing to to do even if it’s not what you want to do.”
This marks a second consecutive series the Dodgers’ opponent is without a perennial All-Star and impact bat. Juan Soto didn’t play for the New York Yankees because of left forearm inflammation, and the Dodgers won two of three games.
For Seager, his hamstring injury comes with added disappointment because of the timing. Since signing with the Rangers as a free agent after the 2021 season, his only other visit to Dodger Stadium was for the All-Star Game in 2022.
“I mean, it’s hard not to play every day. Obviously you want to be out there with your guys and you want to play,” he said. “Probably a little more just because it’s the first time (being back at Dodger Stadium) kind of thing, but other than that, you’re always trying to be out there.”
Corey Seager’s homecoming at Dodger Stadium
Even if Seager is not able to take the field against the Dodgers, he is enjoying the chance to be back where his career began.
“Yeah, kind of,” Seager answered when asked if it felt like a homecoming. “I spent a lot of time here. Obviously, not on that side, but it’s going to be fun. I’m excited about it to see some people, catch up with some old friends. It’s fun.”
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