Corey Seager's Bittersweet Return to Dodger Stadium
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. However, fans were left disappointed as Seager was not in the Texas Rangers' lineup due to a left hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined. He remains day-to-day with the injury, marking the fourth consecutive game he has missed.
First Return Since the 2021 Season
Seager first made his return to Dodger Stadium during the 2022 All-Star Game, but his latest visit marked his initial return in regular season play. The 30-year-old shortstop, who established his reputation in Dodger blue, admitted to feeling a bit disoriented upon his return, especially in the unfamiliar visiting clubhouse.
A Stellar Career in Los Angeles
Seager's tenure with the Dodgers was marked by significant achievements. He won the 2016 NL Rookie of the Year award, became an All-Star in his first two full seasons, and played a pivotal role in leading the Dodgers to the 2020 World Series title during the COVID-19 pandemic. In recognition of his outstanding performance, he earned both the NL MVP and World Series MVP honors that year.
Seager's Transition to the Rangers
Following his remarkable stint with the Dodgers, Seager entered free agency and signed a $325 million, 10-year deal with the Rangers. His performance in Texas has been nothing short of extraordinary, earning All-Star selections in both 2022 and 2023. He further cemented his legacy by leading the Rangers to a World Series championship and being named World Series MVP.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts holds Seager in high regard, recalling him as a "superstar, just a heady baseball player, great competitor, and performed really well on the biggest of stages." Roberts remarked that "any team is better with Corey Seager."
Reflections and Reconnections
During his visit, Seager took time to reconnect with old teammates 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.
Despite the disorientation that comes with change, Seager remains optimistic about his injury status. "Definitely trending. It’s positive," he said. He acknowledged the challenge of not being able to play, commenting, "It’s hard not to play every day. You want to be out there with your guys."
Seager's Thoughts on His Journey
Reflecting on his transition from the Dodgers to the Rangers, Seager expressed his appreciation for the lessons he learned in Los Angeles. "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. Seager also noted the rapid success he experienced with the Rangers, stating, "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."
Conclusion
Corey Seager’s return to Dodger Stadium may have been bittersweet due to his inability to play, but it was a moment of reflection on a journey marked by growth, perseverance, and success in the world of baseball. His story continues to captivate fans, and his optimistic outlook on his injury status suggests that more remarkable achievements are yet to come. As Seager himself said, "Definitely trending. It’s positive."