Corey Seager Returns to Dodger Stadium, Yet Cannot Play Due to Injury
Corey Seager made a return to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night, marking his first visit during the regular season since leaving as a free agent after the 2021 season. However, fans were disappointed to learn that Seager was not in the Texas Rangers' lineup due to a lingering left hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined. The injury has rendered Seager day-to-day and has caused him to miss four consecutive games.
A Bittersweet Homecoming
Seager first returned to Dodger Stadium during the 2022 All-Star Game, but his latest visit was clouded with a sense of bittersweetness as he was unable to play. Speaking on his return, Seager admitted to feeling a bit disoriented, particularly because he was unfamiliar with the visiting clubhouse: "It got a little confusing for Seager, who wasn’t familiar with the visiting clubhouse." The return evoked a lot of memories for the 30-year-old shortstop, who established his reputation in the iconic Dodger blue.
An Impressive Resume in Dodger Blue
Corey Seager’s tenure with the Dodgers included several significant accomplishments. He won the 2016 NL Rookie of the Year award and became an All-Star in his first two full seasons. In 2020, he played a pivotal role in leading the Dodgers to a World Series title during the COVID-19 pandemic, earning both the NL MVP and World Series MVP honors in the process. Reflecting on his growth, Seager said, "This organization kind of raised me, kind of made me the man I am today, taught me the game of baseball, made a lot of friends, made a lot of buddies, had a lot of good times out there so all those memories kind of flash back as you’re pulling in."
A New Chapter with the Texas Rangers
Following his accomplishments with the Dodgers, Seager entered free agency and signed a blockbuster $325 million, 10-year deal with the Texas Rangers. His performance with Texas has been nothing short of remarkable, earning All-Star selections in both 2022 and 2023. Notably, he led the Rangers to a World Series championship and was named the World Series MVP, solidifying his status as one of the best in the game. When reflecting on his success and the rapid turnaround, Seager remarked, "I don’t know if you ever thought it would be that fast. Just kind of clicked at the right time and got hot in the playoffs and it turns into that."
Managerial Praise and Teammate Reunions
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts holds a high opinion of Seager and his contributions to the team’s success. Roberts described Seager as a "superstar, just a heady baseball player, great competitor and performed really well on the biggest of stages." Emphasizing Seager’s value, he added, "Any team is better with Corey Seager."
During his time at Dodger Stadium, Seager took the opportunity to reconnect with old teammates. His return was not just a homecoming but also a chance to reflect on his journey. "It’s hard not to play every day. You want to be out there with your guys," he said, underscoring the difficulty of watching from the sidelines.
Optimism Amidst Injury
Despite the hamstring injury, Seager remains optimistic about his recovery. He expressed a positive outlook on his injury status, stating, "Definitely trending. It’s positive." Nevertheless, the disorientation from returning to familiar grounds in an unfamiliar role was evident. "I had some guys ask me where to go and I didn’t know. It’s been a lot of firsts, for sure," Seager admitted.
Seager acknowledged the impact the Dodgers organization had on him, both professionally and personally. "They taught me how to win, how to do things the right way. It’s a first-class organization and you try to bring that to another first-class organization," he said, emphasizing the professionalism and winning mentality he carries with him.
Corey Seager’s return to Dodger Stadium, albeit under challenging circumstances, highlights a compelling story of growth, perseverance, and success. His inability to play may have added a tinge of bitterness to the homecoming, but it also showcased the full circle of his baseball journey. As Seager continues to recover, the baseball world remains eager to see him return to action and add more chapters to an already illustrious career.