While the Los Angeles Dodgers already had some experience playing without Corey Seager, him not being included on the roster for the National League Championship Series was viewed as a significant loss, and rightfully so.
But Charlie Culberson filled in admirably, and so too did Chris Taylor in spot duty at shortstop, and the Dodgers seemingly didn’t skip a beat as they eliminated the defending champion Chicago Cubs in five games. Seager did not travel during the NLCS so he could receive necessary treatment.
He suffered a lower back sprain in Game 3 of the NL Division Series and was administered an epidural injection the day after the Dodgers swept the Arizona Diamondbacks. Seager’s mobility remained limited and that led to the decision to not keep him active.
It wasn’t until this week that Seager began fielding grounders and swinging a bat. He was a full participant in World Series workouts Sunday night at Dodger Stadium.
In an interview with Alanna Rizzo of Spectrum SportsNet LA, the All-Star shortstop deemed his health a non-issue for the World Series:
“It was the right move to stay back, as much as it sucked that I couldn’t be there to celebrate with the team. It was the right move. It made me feel a lot better, I got to do what I needed to do, and fortunately enough I’m ready to go now.”
Seager last appeared in a game Oct. 9, which would make Tuesday’s Game 1 a span of 15 days between contests, assuming he does start the World Series opener. Seager went 3-for-11 with a triple and two RBI in the NLDS.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts implied the club was still considering including Culberson on their roster even with Seager’s forthcoming return.
