Rangers lose key part of lineup as two-time World Series champ lands on IL

The Texas Rangers had to fear the worst when shortstop Corey Seager slowed early with an apparent leg injury during Tuesday's game against the A's. The news may be the Rangers' best-case scenario.

Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News reported that Seager has been placed on the Injured List with a strained right hamstring. However, Kennedi Landry from MLB.com noted that Seager is not expected to miss much more than the 10-day minimum.

Seager has been a key part of the Rangers' strong start to the season. He had posted a .286/.345/.468 batting line in his 84 plate appearances, hitting four homers and two doubles. Seager ranked eighth in the American League with 1.4 bWAR and leads the majors with 0.8 defensive WAR.

The Rangers have added infielder Nick Ahmed to the 40-man roster, calling him up to take Seager's place on the roster. Ahmed had originally signed a minor league contract with the Rangers shortly before spring training but was released ahead of Opening Day. He signed another minor league deal on April 9, participating in extended spring training.

The two-time Gold Glove winner had embarked on a tour of the NL West after being released by the Diamondbacks in 2023. He made 71 appearances in 2024 between the Dodgers, Giants and Padres. Ahmed did not hit at any of those stops, posting a mediocre .229/.267/.295 batting line in 228 combined plate appearances, hitting a pair of homers and six doubles. While Ahmed will not come close to replacing Seager in the lineup, he should provide steady defense as he leads active major league shortstops with 71 total zone runs saved at short.

Ultimately, Ahmed's time with the Rangers may be brief. Seager has landed on the IL, but he is expected to return shortly. The Rangers need that to be the case in a tough AL West.