Rangers star Corey Seager left the game due to injury on June 29th against the Baltimore Orioles following a hit-by-pitch on the wrist. Oriole lefty Cade Povich hit him in the top of the fifth inning with a sinker going at 90.5 mph. The good news is that his X-rays were negative, but today, they will assess his wrist more thoroughly to diagnose the injury. The play turned into a HBP only because Seager checked his swing, since the pitch appeared close enough to swing at initially. Seager also wasn’t wearing a hand or wrist guard to protect the area. The hit-by-pitch has also been a recurring injury producer this season.
X-rays were negative on Corey Seager‘s wrist after a painful HBP, but the #Rangers star will receive more evaluation today:https://t.co/LT2Yt8xKDt pic.twitter.com/6iowDGIF75
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) June 30, 2024
Corey Seager Injury to Be Further Assessed
Seager’s hit-by-pitch is worrisome news for the Rangers, who are trying to make a push for the postseason. Any time Seager must miss will be challenging for Texas. Seager was already dealing with a hamstring injury back on June 5th when he faced the Detroit Tigers. They are 7 1/2 games behind the Kansas City Royals for the last AL Wild Card spot and are looking to defend their 2023 World Series victory. The Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Rays, and Toronto Blue Jays are in the same boat as the Rangers trying to reach that wild card spot. While Seager’s numbers in April were unconventional by his standards, his offense spiked in the month of May. As well, is still looking like a strong contender in the AL MVP race alongside opponent Aaron Judge.
Seager’s impressive slash line of .327/.390/.623 makes this injury a hard pill to swallow for the Rangers. His numbers are particularly good over the last two months demonstrating how the veteran is vital to the Rangers lineup. With a slash line of .273/.356/.521 (139 wRC+) in May and June, he stands out as one of the best clutch hitters in MLB.
While some of his stats have dipped from his prime career numbers, Seager still remains one of the most qualified hitters on the team. It is a tough time for this Rangers lineup as they are dealing with injuries from Josh Jung (also a wrist injury), as well as Evan Carter and Rookie of the Year contender Wyatt Langford. The Rangers have relied on offense from Seager, as both Marcus Semien and Adolis Garcia have underperformed. Josh Smith is expected to take over at shortstop in the absence of Seager.
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