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, making it Seager's hardest-hit home run of the season. Notably, the shot tied for the longest home run he has hit this year.
This home run was also a milestone for Seager, marking his 60th at Dodger Stadium. This accomplishment places Seager sixth among active players in home runs at Dodger Stadium. So far this season, Seager has hit 14 home runs.
A Warm Reception, Then a Shift
The Dodgers' faithful welcomed Seager warmly with a video tribute during Tuesday's series opener. Seager, the 2016 National League Rookie of the Year and the 2020 NL and World Series MVP with the Dodgers, clearly remains a beloved figure among many Dodgers fans. However, after Seager's go-ahead homer on Wednesday, the crowd of 48,930 expressed their displeasure when he came up to bat again.
Return Amid Injury Concerns
Seager missed his fourth consecutive game due to a hamstring issue on Tuesday but returned to the lineup as the designated hitter on Wednesday. Seager went 1-for-3 with a strikeout in his first game back. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy expressed relief and gratitude for Seager's return, saying, "It's good to have Corey back. We saw what he means to us. We missed him." Seager himself seemed to understand the mixed reactions from the crowd, stating, "It kind of comes with the territory, I get it. I don't blame them."
Managing Seager's Health
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 ensure his sustained contribution to the team's success. Although he has shown resilience and determination to return to the field, precautionary measures are necessary to maintain his overall health throughout the season.
Dramatic Conclusion
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 high-stakes moment underscored the intensity and competitiveness of the game, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Quotes
Reflecting on Seager's significant impact on the game, Rangers manager Bruce Bochy highlighted the star player's importance to the team: "It's good to have Corey back. We saw what he means to us. We missed him." Seager, addressing the mixed reception from the crowd, acknowledged the situation with grace: "It kind of comes with the territory, I get it. I don't blame them."
Overall, Seager's return to Dodger Stadium was a memorable event, marked by a combination of heartfelt welcomes, competitive tension, and a spectacular display of his batting prowess. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how Seager continues to perform and how the Rangers manage his health to keep him in the lineup.