Although the Los Angeles Dodgers did not welcome back Corey Seager last week as initially expected, it is only a matter of time before he returns to the lineup.
Seager recently faced Corey Knebel in a simulated game and his next step will be getting more at-bats at Camelback Ranch. “I think once we leave on Sunday, he’s going to go out to Arizona and get in some games over there,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
“Once he plays, then hopefully we can get him with us. That’s the next step — getting him to Arizona and playing in some games.”
Roberts felt this was the best path for Seager as he wants to see him play in a games before potentially returning. “I think that would be great. Comes out of it fine and then we get him with our club, that would be fantastic. Not much would make me happier,” Roberts said.
Although Roberts is eager for Seager to return, he acknowledged a rehab assignment would likely be necessary after the stretch of games at Camelback Ranch.
Seager was put on the 10-day injured list May 16 due to a right hand fracture suffered as a result of being hit by a pitch. He was transferred to the 60-day IL at the end of June but already is eligible to be reinstated.
While the Dodgers were relieved to learn Seager would not require surgery, Roberts said at the time he expected the 2020 World Series MVP to miss at least four weeks and likely closer to six or eight.
Seager is scheduled to become a free agent after the season and figures to be one of the more sought-after players on the market. He leads a shortstop class that also is expected to include Trevor Story, Carlos Correa, Javier Baez and Brandon Crawford, among others.
Kershaw to throw simulated game at Oracle Park
In addition to Seager continuing to make steady progress toward a return to the Dodgers, the same can be said for Clayton Kershaw, who is slated to throw a simulated game at Oracle Park next week.
Kershaw previously stated his expectation was to return sometime in August, though that likely will be dictated on whether he needs to complete a rehab assignment.
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