Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager hasn’t played in a Cactus League game since March 11, when he was removed early due to what an MRI revealed was a left knee sprain.
While the injury was not believed to be too serious, Seager’s status for Opening Day was in question as the recovery time was set at one to two weeks. However, that no longer appears to be a concern, as the 21-year-old shortstop participated in conditioning drills on March 20.
Seager has since received at-bats in Minor League games and advanced to playing the field and running bases. Seager recently said his recovery has progressed without any setbacks — mentally or physically.
As Seager cotinues to add to his workload, the next step before getting cleared for Opening Day and the regular season is playing in a Major League game. According to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that should take place in the coming days:
Seager should play Major League game this week, Roberts said.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) March 27, 2016
What’s more, Seager may join the Dodgers when they break for camp and return to California, per Bill Plunkett of the OC Register:
Dave Roberts said Corey Seager is expected to go with #Dodgers to LA and play in Freeway Series games
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) March 27, 2016
Seager batted .337/.425/.561 with four home runs, eight doubles, 17 RBIs, a .421 wOBA and 175 wRC+ in 27 regular-season games with the Dodgers in 2015. He then became the youngest position player to start a postseason game in franchise history.
Seager enters this season as the Dodgers’ unquestioned shortstop and an early favorite for the 2016 National League Rookie of the Year Award.
