The Rangers informed reporters that shortstop Corey Seager had surgery today to repair a sports hernia, including Jeff Wilson of Rangers Today. He reportedly had the injury during the postseason, but it didn’t get better in the following months, so he had surgery. The team hopes he’ll be ready for the start of play on Opening Day. General manager Chris Young stated, “The concern level is not very high,” according to MLB.com’s Rhett Bollinger. Wilson reports that in light of this situation, the club is unlikely to recruit an additional infielder this summer.
Although it’s unclear exactly when Seager became aware of the problem, it didn’t appear to have any effect on his performance. With a line of.318/.451/.682 in 17 games during the previous postseason, he was a monster, helping the team win its first championship and taking home the World Series MVP award.
Nevertheless, surgical intervention was judged required when the problem failed to heal as anticipated during the winter. It does not appear as though he will be able to return to the field by Opening Day, despite the optimism of the team.
Although it’s unclear exactly when Seager became aware of the problem, it didn’t appear to have any effect on his performance. With a line of.318/.451/.682 in 17 games during the previous postseason, he was a monster, helping the team win its first championship and taking home the World Series MVP award.
Nevertheless, surgical intervention was judged required when the problem failed to heal as anticipated during the winter. It does not appear as though he will be able to return to the field by Opening Day, despite the optimism of the team.
Having played shortstop for nine seasons, Seager has hit.292/.361/.512, making him an elite player throughout his career. His health has periodically prevented him from participating, most notably when, in April 2018, he needed Tommy John surgery after only 26 games. Since then, he has also visited the injured list as a result of a right hand fracture, a sprained right thumb, and two left hamstring strains.
If Young is to be believed, the club won’t appear to be forced to take any drastic measures in response to his impending surgery and rehabilitation. If Seager is sidelined at all during the early portion of the schedule, it appears that the Rangers will rely on current players to fill in at the position. Despite having a wealth of experience, Marcus Semien did not play shortstop in 2023 and has not been a regular there since 2020. The Rangers have Ezequiel Durán, Josh H. Smith, and Jonathan Ornelas on their roster who can all cover short if necessary, even if they decide to keep him at the keystone.
Injuries recovering is expected to be a major plot point for the reigning champions in this game in 2024. After undergoing back surgery this summer, Tyler Mahle and Jacob deGrom both aim to return by the middle of the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023. Max Scherzer is anticipated to be sidelined until June or July. If all goes according to plan, Seager ought to return much sooner than any of those three.
