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's Milestone
Seager, who signed a massive $325 million, 10-year contract with the Rangers, showcased his talent with a powerful performance. His 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 he has hit this year. More notably, this homer marked Seager's 60th at Dodger Stadium, placing him sixth among active players in home runs at the famous venue.
A Warm Welcome and a Loud Goodbye
The Dodgers' faithful initially welcomed Seager warmly, featuring a video tribute during Tuesday's series opener. Seager, who was the 2016 National League Rookie of the Year and the 2020 NL and World Series MVP with the Dodgers, received heartfelt applause from the crowd. 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 from Injury
Seager's return was highly anticipated, as he had 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 his 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."
Managing the Hamstring Issue
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, ensuring he remains healthy for the remainder of the season. His presence in the lineup is pivotal for the team's success, as demonstrated by his impactful performance on Wednesday.
Key Play Seals the Victory
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, securing the win for Texas. The close finish intensified the game's excitement and underscored the importance of Seager's home run. The play added an exclamation point to a thrilling evening, showcasing the high stakes and passion inherent in Major League Baseball.
Quotes
"It's good to have Corey back. We saw what he means to us. We missed him." - Bruce Bochy, Rangers Manager
"It kind of comes with the territory, I get it. I don't blame them." - Corey Seager
Overall, Corey Seager's return to Dodger Stadium was marked by both emotional and athletic milestones. His performance not only highlighted his individual prowess but also emphasized his importance to the Rangers. As the season progresses, fans and teammates alike will be eagerly watching to see how Seager continues to make his mark.