The Los Angeles Dodgers suffered an early loss last season when a decision was made for Corey Seager to undergo Tommy John surgery in May. Then in August, Seager underwent an arthroscopic hip operation.
The second surgery didn’t have any bearing on Seager’s timeline — the club has maintained he would be ready for Opening Day — but nonetheless was a second procedure to rehab. Seager began throwing last October and while the recovery tested his patience, it’s gone well by all accounts.
Seager has yet to throw across to first base from shortstop or participate in live batting practice, but is fielding grounders and able to swing a bat. Although final hurdles remain to being fully cleared, Seager is pleased with his progression and overall health, per Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times:
“It’s a really good feeling,” Seager said Saturday. “It’s nice to feel like you’re able to do everything and not have to worry anymore. … I’ve reached all those steps where I feel healthy now, and I have to do the last couple little things before I can go.”
Seager’s elbow trouble surfaced in 2017, which led to the team managing his workload down the stretch of the season. There was some belief surgery would be necessary that winter but a decision was made to allow for him to attempt to remain on the field.
Although Seager has not experienced any setbacks or lingering pain, when he will appear in a Cactus League game is unclear. The Dodgers begin their Spring Training schedule on Saturday, but manager Dave Roberts has already indicated Seager will first start in ‘B’ games on the backfields at Camelback Ranch.