Corey Seager Shines in Return to Dodger Stadium
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.
A Big-Money Move
Seager signed a massive $325 million, 10-year contract with the Rangers, a decision that led to his absence from Dodger Stadium in recent seasons. However, his return was nothing short of spectacular.
Seager's three-run blast in the fifth inning off Walker Buehler soared 422 feet and was clocked at 111 mph. This home run not only marked Seager's hardest-hit homer of the season but also tied for the longest home run he's hit this year. The shot was significant for another reason: it was Seager's 60th at Dodger Stadium, placing him sixth among active players in home runs at the venue.
A Warm Welcome, Despite Rivalry
The Dodgers' faithful welcomed Seager warmly with a video tribute during Tuesday's series opener, recognizing his contributions to the team. Seager was the 2016 National League Rookie of the Year and the 2020 NL and World Series MVP with the Dodgers. However, after his go-ahead homer on Wednesday, the crowd of 48,930 expressed their displeasure when he came up to bat again.
Injury Management
Seager missed his fourth consecutive game due to a hamstring issue on Tuesday. He returned to the lineup as the designated hitter on Wednesday, going 1-for-3 with a strikeout in his first game back. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy expressed relief and gratitude for Seager's return, acknowledging the star player's impact on the team.
"It's good to have Corey back. We saw what he means to us. We missed him," Bochy commented.
Looking Ahead
Seager is expected to continue serving as the designated hitter for the series finale on Thursday, with the Rangers aiming to manage his hamstring issue cautiously. So far this season, Seager has hit 14 home runs, demonstrating his ongoing value to the Rangers.
Game-Winning Play
The Rangers held on for the victory in dramatic fashion. Dodgers rookie Andy Pages ran through a stop sign and was thrown out at the plate for the final out, sealing the 3-2 win for Texas.
Seager's Perspective
While Seager was aware of the mixed reactions from the Dodger faithful, he remained understanding. "It kind of comes with the territory, I get it. I don't blame them," Seager remarked, reflecting on the inevitable complexities of returning as an opponent to a place he once called home.
Conclusion
Corey Seager's return to Dodger Stadium was marked by both triumph and tension. His performance underscored why the Rangers invested so heavily in him and why he remains a beloved figure in Los Angeles, despite now donning a different uniform. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Seager to see if he can maintain his high level of play and help lead the Rangers to further success.