Corey Seager's Triumphant Return to Dodger Stadium
Corey Seager made a triumphant return to Dodger Stadium on Wednesday night, delivering a clutch, go-ahead, three-run homer that propelled the Texas Rangers to a 3-2 victory. This game marked Seager's first regular-season appearance at the iconic venue since he departed as a free agent in 2021.
Massive Contract and Impressive Performance
Seager signed a massive $325 million, 10-year contract with the Rangers, and his performance on Wednesday underscored why he was worth every penny. In the fifth inning, Seager blasted a three-run homer off Walker Buehler, a shot that soared 422 feet and was clocked at 111 mph. This remarkable hit was Seager's hardest-hit home run of the season, tying for the longest homer he has struck this year. The home run also marked Seager's 60th at Dodger Stadium, placing him sixth among active players in home runs at the venue.
Warm Welcome Turned Cold
The Dodgers' faithful welcomed Seager warmly with a video tribute during Tuesday's series opener. Seager, who was the 2016 National League Rookie of the Year and the 2020 NL and World Series MVP with the Dodgers, clearly holds a place of respect with the fans. However, after his go-ahead homer on Wednesday, the crowd of 48,930 expressed their displeasure when he came up to bat again, a response that Seager seemed to understand. "It kind of comes with the territory, I get it. I don't blame them," he said.
Seager's Return from Injury
Seager missed his fourth consecutive game due to a hamstring issue on Tuesday, but he returned to the lineup as the designated hitter on Wednesday. He went 1-for-3 with a strikeout in his first game back, much to the relief and gratitude of Rangers manager Bruce Bochy. "It's good to have Corey back. We saw what he means to us. We missed him," Bochy expressed.
Managing Hamstring Issues
Seager is expected to continue serving as the designated hitter for the series finale on Thursday as the Rangers aim to manage his hamstring issue cautiously. The team is keen on ensuring Seager remains healthy for the remainder of the season, recognizing his crucial role in their lineup.
Rangers' Victory Drama
The Rangers secured their victory in dramatic fashion when Dodgers rookie Andy Pages ran through a stop sign and was thrown out at the plate for the final out. This play underscored the tight nature of the game and the tension that hung over Dodger Stadium throughout the evening.
With this victory, the Rangers have demonstrated their resilience and the importance of clutch players like Seager. As they continue the season, the management of Seager's health and performance remains a focal point for the team's success.
"It's good to have Corey back. We saw what he means to us. We missed him." - Bruce Bochy
"It kind of comes with the territory, I get it. I don't blame them." - Corey Seager