Statements
Corey Seager made a triumphant return to Dodger Stadium, delivering a clutch, go-ahead, three-run homer that propelled the Texas Rangers to a 3-2 victory on Wednesday night. This game marked Seager's first regular-season appearance at the iconic venue since he departed as a free agent in 2021.
Seager signed a massive $325 million, 10-year contract with the Rangers. His three-run blast in the fifth inning off Walker Buehler soared 422 feet and was clocked at 111 mph. This home run was Seager's hardest-hit of the season and tied for the longest he has hit this year. The homer marked Seager's 60th at Dodger Stadium, placing him sixth among active players in home runs at this historic ballpark. So far this season, Seager has hit 14 home runs.
The Dodgers' faithful welcomed Seager warmly with a video tribute during Tuesday's series opener. Seager was the 2016 National League Rookie of the Year and the 2020 NL and World Series MVP with the Dodgers. However, after Seager's go-ahead homer on Wednesday, the crowd of 48,930 expressed their displeasure when he came up to bat again.
Managing the Hamstring
Seager missed his fourth consecutive game due to a hamstring issue on Tuesday but returned to the lineup as the designated hitter on Wednesday. He went 1-for-3 with a strikeout in his first game back. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy expressed relief and gratitude for Seager's return, and Seager is expected to continue serving as the designated hitter for the series finale on Thursday. The Rangers aim to manage Seager's hamstring issue cautiously to avoid aggravating the injury further.
Crucial Victory
The Rangers held on for the victory when Dodgers rookie Andy Pages ran through a stop sign and was thrown out at the plate for the final out. It was a dramatic conclusion to a game that had already seen plenty of excitement. Seager's impact on the game could not be overstated, and his return to Dodger Stadium was a significant moment for both him and the Rangers.
Quotes
"It's good to have Corey back. We saw what he means to us. We missed him," said Bruce Bochy, clearly relieved to have one of his star players back in the lineup. Seager, for his part, seemed to take the boos from the crowd in stride, stating, "It kind of comes with the territory, I get it. I don't blame them."
As the series continues, all eyes will be on Seager to see if he can continue his impressive form while managing his hamstring issue. Both the Rangers and their fans will be hoping that he can, as his contributions are clearly invaluable to the team's success.