The Texas Rangers are getting back their franchise cornerstone, Corey Seager, who will be returning from the injured list Friday from lower back inflammation.
The star shortstop was placed on the IL on July 1, his third IL stint this season.
Seager played in two rehab games with the Frisco Roughriders (AA) and he went 1-for-5 with a home run and a walk.
Seager will take today to rest and will return ahead of Friday’s series opener vs. the Houston Astros with Jacob deGrom scheduled to start on the mound for the Rangers.
How Seager’s return impacts the Rangers
His return comes ahead of a critical division series and the Rangers will need a performance boost from Seager, who struggled prior to his injury slashing 182/.292/.374 with 10 home runs and 25 RBI across 51 games this season.
His .182 batting average is well below his .271 average from last season and his .284 career mark. But having his presence in the middle of the lineup is essential for the Rangers as they continue to battle for the lead in the AL West, where they currently sit one game ahead of the Astros.
The veteran shortstop will help to restore the middle of the order and help to ease the pressure off young players Josh Jung and Ezequiel Duran, who carried the offensive load when Seager was injured. It will be critical for Seager to remain healthy and bounce back from his slump this season and provide a boost in a tight divisional race.
Getting a former World Series MVP back in the lineup, who is a power threat and elite defender, could be big a win for the Rangers. The marquee leader has the potential to be a solid contributor ahead of the Aug 3. trade deadline on Monday at 6 pm EST.