Texas Rangers' star shortstop, Corey Seager, underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair a left sports hernia, causing him to miss most of spring training. The surgery was performed by Dr. Venkata Evani in Arizona, where the team holds their spring training. Despite the setback, Rangers' general manager, Chris Young, expressed a low level of concern and remains hopeful that Seager will be ready for opening day.
According to Young, Seager had been managing the hernia issue with minor treatment during the postseason, but it did not hinder his performance as the Rangers clinched their first World Series title. The team had initially hoped that extended rest during the offseason would alleviate the problem. However, it became apparent that the issue persisted and would require surgical intervention.
Young stated, 'The fact that he's still feeling it at this point, became pretty clear that this may be difficult to manage and at some point would likely need to be repaired.' While he didn't commit to a specific timeline, the team's expectation is for Seager to resume baseball activities and be close to full speed by the end of spring.
Seager's impact on the Rangers' success is undeniable. In last year's postseason, he posted impressive numbers with a batting average of .318, six home runs, 12 RBIs, and 15 walks in 17 games. He played a pivotal role in the World Series, hitting three home runs against the Arizona Diamondbacks, including a game-tying drive in the opener.
During the regular season, Seager showcased his exceptional skills, batting .327 with 33 homers, 96 RBIs, and 42 doubles in 119 games. His batting average ranked second in the American League, solidifying his status as a key player for the Rangers. Despite missing 40 games due to injuries last season, Seager's impact on the team was evident whenever he stepped onto the field.
Young emphasized the importance of Seager to the team and franchise, stating, 'He's such an important player to our team and our franchise. We want to make sure we get this right, and when Corey is ready to be back out there, he will be back out there.'
The Texas Rangers are set to open their regular season on March 28 at home against the Chicago Cubs. While Seager's absence during spring training is a setback, the team remains optimistic that he will be back in action by opening day. His return will undoubtedly be eagerly anticipated by fans and teammates alike.
Overall, Seager's surgery for a left sports hernia repair is a temporary setback for the Texas Rangers, but the team remains hopeful that their star shortstop will make a full recovery and be ready to contribute to their success in the upcoming season.