Expectations were high for Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager going into the 2017 season as he was coming off a unanimous National League Rookie of the Year campaign the season prior.
While he did not quite match the numbers he posted his rookie season, Seager was still very productive. He was named an All-Star and won a Silver Slugger Award for the second straight season, while also being named a finalist for a Gold Glove.
Seager played through a nagging sore right elbow over the second half of the season, which impacted his ability to play the field and throw. He then suffered a back injury in the National League Division Series that caused him to miss the NL Championship Series against the Chicago Cubs.
The soon-to-be 24-year-old reported to Camelback Ranch for Spring Training on Friday, and he said that while he will be a little behind schedule this spring, the elbow and back issues are not expected to follow him into the regular season, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
#Dodgers Corey Seager said rest and physical therapy were enough to take care of elbow and back issues he had late in 2017 season
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 16, 2018
Said he started throwing program in January. Has only built up to 100 feet. Will be a little behind schedule to start spring.
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 16, 2018
In his second full Major League season, Seager batted .295/.375/.479 with 22 home runs, 77 RBIs and 85 runs scored in 145 games.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has spoken a lot about limiting some players workloads this spring since the offseason was so short, and the same is expected of Seager so he can go into the season feeling fresh and healthy for the entirety of the year and potential postseason games.
