Corey Seager returns to the lineup Saturday night, starting at shortstop and batting second as the Los Angeles Dodgers conclude Spring Training with a matchup against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The teams split the first two games of the Freeway Series in Anaheim.
Seager last played in a Major League game on March 3. He returned that afternoon after missing three consecutive games due to a bruised right shin. However, the day after first game back, Seager was suffering from upper back tightness.
The injury was later described as more of an oblique injury. The Dodgers closely monitored Seager and cautiously brought him along the recovery trail. He recently participated in Minor League games at Camelback Ranch.
Ahead of a final game before the regular season begins, the 22-year-old said he’s in good health, per ESPN’s Doug Padilla:
“It feels good. I haven’t had any problems with it for a while now. No soreness; no game soreness. The whole body feels good.”
Seager enters play Saturday night hitless with one walk and one strikeout in five at-bats this year. There was an initial expectation that Seager would miss the exhibition Freeway Series all together.
Seager was also limited during Spring Training last year, when a mild knee sprain sidelined him for nearly three weeks. He’ll get a final off-day of the spring on Sunday before the Dodgers begin the 2017 season.
Though, the club’s schedule includes a day off after the first eight games. Los Angeles will then play eight games, then enjoy another off-day.