Just as the Los Angeles Dodgers were on the verge of beginning a stretch of 18 consecutive games without a day off, they lost Corey Seager to hamstring strain that was described as a ‘Grade 1 slash 2.’
The Dodgers placed Seager on the 10-day injured list but did not provide a timetable for his return. An injury of that nature typically requires a recovery period of four to six weeks, which suggested the two-time Silver Slugger was potentially to be out until August.
Lingering discomfort prevented Seager from participating in any sort of physical activities for multiple days after he suffered the injury on the basepaths, but he recently began playing catch in one of the early steps in his rehab process.
As that continues, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts forecasted Seager, along with A.J. Pollock, will begin a rehab assignment at Camelback Ranch or with a Minor League affiliate during the All-Star break, as seen on SportsNet LA:
“In talking to he and A.J., expect them both to forgo their All-Star break. If all goes well, they’ll both be playing in some capacity, getting at-bats; whether it be at CBR or at an affiliate during our break. That’s a credit to their desire to get back. Where they’re at both right now, we’re really not exactly sure.”
The Dodgers play their final game of the unofficial first half on Sunday, July 7. They will pick up after the All-Star Game five days later, facing the Boston Red Sox to start a seven-game road trip.
If Seager remains on his current track, it’s plausible he could re-join the Dodgers near the end of the July. Though, the club understandably will err on the side of caution in effort to avoid potential setback or Seager returning prematurely.
The 25-year-old himself expressed some angst over the recovery process, noting there can be a false sense of security on any given day with how the hamstring may be feeling. Aside from frustration that comes with any injury, the timing for Seager couldn’t have been worse.
He was in the midst of a nine-game hitting streak that saw him five multi-hit efforts and Seager bat .459/.487/.730 with seven doubles, one home run and nine RBI during the stretch.
Seager was enjoying a particularly hot month of June and overall this season is now hitting .305/.376/.558 with 18 doubles, seven home runs and 29 RBI in 55 games.
