In similar fashion to last year, the Los Angeles Dodgers have been without Corey Seager for much of the spring. He played in the team’s first Cactus League game on Feb. 25, but only started two games after that.
Seager was slowed by a bruised right shin as a result of fouling a pitch off. He was sent for x-rays, which came back negative, and returned March 3 after missing three games. However, Seager’s return to the lineup was short-lived.
He reported upper-back tightness that was a byproduct of making an awkward twist and throw to complete a double play against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Seager’s injury was then said to be more of an oblique issue.
Throughout his period of inactivity the Dodgers and Seager have dismissed any concern. According to Bill Plunkett of the O.C. Register, manager Dave Roberts indicated the 22-year-old shortstop is nearing a return:
Dave Roberts said he wants to "put eyes on" Corey Seager during workout today before determining what's next in recovery from oblique strain
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) March 19, 2017
Roberts later added Seager will participate in workouts on Monday and Tuesday, and a decision could be made after that:
Dave Roberts said Corey Seager will likely go thru 2 more full workouts Mon-Tue, #Dodgers off Wed then maybe game Thur either minors or CL
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) March 19, 2017
Roberts himself returned to Camelback Ranch on Sunday after leaving camp Friday to be with his family in the wake of his father’s death.
Assuming Seager makes a return this week, it would leave him with more than enough time to log at-bats in preparation for the regular season. The Dodgers could also send him to the Minor League side of camp for additional work at the plate, which they did last year when Seager worked his way back from a mild knee sprain.
