Corey Seager's Bittersweet Return to Dodger Stadium
Corey Seager made his return to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night for the first time in the regular season since his departure as a free agent after the 2021 season. However, fans were disappointed to learn that Seager wasn't in the Texas Rangers’ lineup due to a left hamstring injury that has sidelined him.
Seager's Ongoing Injury Woes
Seager remains day-to-day with the injury, and Tuesday marked the fourth consecutive game he has missed. This wasn’t the first time Seager returned to Dodger Stadium since his departure; he previously made an appearance during the 2022 All-Star Game. Yet, regular-season games hold a different kind of significance. The 30-year-old shortstop established his impressive reputation while donning Dodger blue. During his time with the Dodgers, Seager won the 2016 NL Rookie of the Year award and became an All-Star in his first two full seasons. His pinnacle achievement came in 2020 when he led the Dodgers to a World Series title during the COVID-19 pandemic, earning NL MVP and World Series MVP honors.
Feeling Like a Stranger in a Familiar Place
Admitting to feeling a bit disoriented upon his return to Dodger Stadium, Seager noted his unfamiliarity with the visiting clubhouse. "It got a little confusing for Seager, who wasn’t familiar with the visiting clubhouse," he shared. Signing a $325 million, 10-year deal with the Rangers in free agency, his performance with Texas has been equally remarkable. Seager earned All-Star selections in both 2022 and 2023 and led the Rangers to a World Series championship, where he was named World Series MVP.
Reflections from Dave Roberts
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts holds a very 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." Roberts added, "Any team is better with Corey Seager." The shortstop spent some time reconnecting with his old teammates, an opportunity to reflect on his journey and growth.
Seager Stays Optimistic
Despite his current injury status, Seager remains optimistic. "Definitely trending. It’s positive," he remarked regarding his recovery. Acknowledging the disorientation that often accompanies change, he commented, "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." Indeed, Seager’s return to Dodger Stadium may have been bittersweet due to his inability to play, but it was a moment rife with nostalgia and reflection.
Lessons from His Time with the Dodgers
Seager also paid homage to his roots. "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," Seager remarked. He reflected on the improbable nature of success, saying, "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." Seager's journey from a young talent to a marquee player for both the Dodgers and Rangers is a compelling story of growth, perseverance, and success in the world of baseball. From his Rookie of the Year accolade to his most recent MVP honors, Seager's career trajectory shows just how formidable a player he has become. Yet, his return to Los Angeles underlines the personal connections and internal sentiments that often go unnoticed amidst the glitz and glamour of professional sports.
As he continues to recuperate from his injury, the baseball world watches with great interest. Will he add more chapters to his illustrious career? If his track record is any indicator, Corey Seager will undoubtedly continue to perform at the highest of levels. As Dodgers manager Dave Roberts aptly put it, "Any team is better with Corey Seager."