Corey Seager Returns to Dodger Stadium Amid Injury Concerns
Corey Seager returned to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night for the first time in the regular season since his departure as a free agent following the 2021 season. Unfortunately for fans, Seager was not in the Texas Rangers' lineup due to a left hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined. Marking his fourth consecutive missed game, Seager remains day-to-day as he continues to recover.
Though this visit to Dodger Stadium marks his first during the regular season since his departure, Seager did make an appearance during the 2022 All-Star Game. Now at 30 years old, the shortstop has already established a remarkable career, largely remembered for his time in Dodger blue.
Building a Legacy in Los Angeles
Seager's journey with the Dodgers saw him win the 2016 NL Rookie of the Year award, and he became an All-Star in his first two full seasons. The crowning achievement during his time in Los Angeles was undoubtedly leading the Dodgers to the 2020 World Series title amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. His stellar performance not only earned him NL MVP honors but also the World Series MVP title.
Despite the accolades and the strong emotional connection to Dodger Stadium, Seager admitted to feeling somewhat disoriented upon his return. "It got a little confusing for Seager, who wasn’t familiar with the visiting clubhouse," he reflected. Nevertheless, this disorientation speaks volumes about how ingrained Seager was with the Dodgers during his tenure.
A New Chapter with the Rangers
After becoming a free agent, Seager signed a lucrative $325 million, 10-year deal with the Texas Rangers. His performance with Texas has continued to impress, earning All-Star selections in both 2022 and 2023, and leading the Rangers to a World Series championship, where he was again named World Series MVP.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts holds a high opinion of Seager. Roberts recalled Seager as a "superstar, just a heady baseball player, great competitor and performed really well on the biggest of stages." Reflecting on Seager’s impact, Roberts added, "Any team is better with Corey Seager."
Reconnecting with a Legacy
Visiting Dodger Stadium offered Seager an opportunity to reconnect with old teammates, relish in past memories, and reflect on his journey. "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," Seager shared.
While his return was a sentimental one, it also signaled progress in his recovery journey. Seager remains optimistic about his injury status, commenting, "Definitely trending. It’s positive." However, he acknowledged the difficulty of not being able to contribute on the field, adding, "It’s hard not to play every day. You want to be out there with your guys." The injury has certainly added a layer of complexity to his career, especially during such a nostalgic return.
Taught by the Best
Seager acknowledges the significant role the Dodgers played in his development as both a player and a person. "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 remarked. His transition to the Rangers has been rapid and successful, and he reflected on the whirlwind journey with humility. "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."
A Bittersweet Return
Corey Seager’s return to Dodger Stadium was undeniably bittersweet, marred by his inability to play due to his injury. Yet, his journey stands as a compelling story of growth, perseverance, and ultimate success within the world of baseball. As Seager continues to recover, fans of both the Dodgers and the Rangers will be eagerly anticipating his return to form, hoping to witness more of the incredible performances that have come to define his career.