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Texas Rangers Receive Good News on Corey Seager

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Eric W. Bolin | Last updated May 24, 2025 5:47 PM ET

The Texas Rangers, two seasons removed from a World Series title, haven't looked the part of potential dynasty since that win.

Texas entered Saturday in fourth-place in the American League West, five games behind the division-leading Seattle Mariners. The Rangers have lost five straight games to fall two games below .500.

What has been most troubling for Bruce Bochy's team is its offense. Only team in Major League Baseball, the historically bad Colorado Rockies, have scored fewer runs this season than the Rangers' 172.

The flip side is that pitching has kept Texas moderately in the hunt. That and playing in the AL West. Just three teams - the New York Mets, Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins - have given up fewer runs.

Still, without bats, Texas looks to repeat its last-season performance: missing the playoffs.

A bout of good news hit Saturday, at least.

Two-time World Series Most Valuable Player Corey Seager took a big step toward returning to the lineup as he faed live pitching for the first time since a hamstring injury forced him to injured list May 13.

"I could see him playing next weekend at home," Bochy said. "I mean, that's how well he's doing. Continue to get live BP when we get home on Monday. Could be even a little sooner. Who knows? That's how good he looks."

Seager, in the fourth year of a 10-year, $325-million contract, has hit .300 with six home runs and 12 RBI in 26 games this year. He missed just over a week in late April dealing with the hamstring injury the first time. He came off the injured list May 3, but re-aggravated it and hasn't played since the date of his second IL stint.

The Rangers have started Josh Smith at shortstop during a bulk of Seager's time on the injured list. Smith would be expected to return to a super-utility role when the former MVP returns.

Bochy also added that outfielder Evan Carter has taken steps toward returning, too, but will need a minor-league rehabilitation stint first.

Carter failed to make the team out of spring training because of his struggles against left-handers, but was called up in early May. He's hitting .182 with a home run and three RBI in 11 games.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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