Much like they did with top prospect Joc Pederson in September 2014, the Los Angeles Dodgers have called up their top prospect, Corey Seager, for the final month of the regular season.
Not only is Seager joining the Dodgers, the 21-year-old will make his Major League debut Thursday night in San Diego against the Padres, starting at shortstop and batting eighth in manager Don Mattingy’s lineup.
MLB’s second-rated prospect, Seager hit .276 with 29 doubles, 13 home runs and 59 RBIs in 104 games with the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers this season. He also hit .375 in 20 games in Double-A before being promoted.
Additionally, Seager batted .333 with three doubles in 14 games with the Dodgers in Spring Training this year. With injuries to middle infielders Kiké Hernandez and Jose Peraza, 36-year-old Jimmy Rollins has been forced to play nine straight games, so Seager will give him a much-needed break.
Seager can also play third base, which means he can spell Justin Turner, who is in his first season as an everyday player.
While expectations are high with Seager, the reason he is being called up, much like Pederson last season, is to get him Major League experience as he will be in line to possibly be the team’s starting shortstop next season.
Seager will wear No. 5, previously donned by Juan Uribe and Alberto Callaspo this season.
