One question mark heading into Spring Training was whether Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager would be able to successfully return to the position without feeling the lingering effects of respective Tommy John and hip surgeries.
The Dodgers’ strategy with Seager was to slowly build him back up into game shape, allowing him to progress at his own pace. Seager eventually went from fielding ground balls and appearing in Minor League games to ultimately receiving some starts in Cactus League contests.
Seager enjoyed an excellent 2019 Cactus League debut this past Wednesday, homering off Chicago Cubs left-hander Cole Hamels and also combining with second baseman Kiké Hernandez for an impressive double play.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believes it’s important for Seager to remain on the field this season and for him to simply continue being himself rather than feel pressure to carry the team, per Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
“I think we have a lot of good players. I would say it’s vital for him to stay on the field. And for Corey to be Corey. The way he impacts us defensively, and at the plate, his presence, that’s a byproduct of him just being on the field. All the numbers, I can’t speculate on production. But we have a lot of good players.”
Seager was encouraged following his first taste of Cactus League action with the Dodgers, revealing that he played through the contest without any pain or second-guessing. That wasn’t the case during stretches of the 2017 and 2018 seasons, particularly when it came to his elbow.
Seager appeared in all three exhibition Freeway Series games against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to remain on track for a start at shortstop on Opening Day.
