Statements
Corey Seager made a triumphant return to Dodger Stadium by delivering a clutch go-ahead three-run homer, which propelled the Texas Rangers to a 3-2 victory on Wednesday night. This game marked Seager's first regular-season appearance at the iconic venue since he departed as a free agent in 2021.
Seager, who signed a massive $325 million, 10-year contract with the Rangers, made his presence felt once again in familiar surroundings. His three-run blast in the fifth inning off Walker Buehler soared 422 feet and was clocked at 111 mph. This home run was Seager's hardest-hit home run of the season and tied for the longest home run he has hit this year.
Seager's Impact at Dodger Stadium
For Seager, this homer was particularly significant as it marked his 60th at Dodger Stadium, placing him sixth among active players in home runs at the stadium. So far, this season Seager has hit 14 home runs. His contributions to the Rangers come as no surprise to fans who remember his accolades with the Dodgers, including being named the 2016 National League Rookie of the Year and the 2020 National League and World Series MVP.
The Dodgers’ faithful welcomed Seager warmly with a video tribute during Tuesday's series opener. However, after Seager’s go-ahead homer on Wednesday, the crowd of 48,930 expressed their displeasure when he came up to bat again. This mixed reception illustrates the complex emotions fans feel towards a beloved player now achieving success with another team.
Seager's Return and Challenges
Seager missed his fourth consecutive game due to a hamstring issue on Tuesday but returned to the lineup as the designated hitter on Wednesday. In his first game back, Seager went 1-for-3 with a strikeout. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy expressed relief and gratitude for Seager's return, emphasizing how much the team missed him. Bochy stated, "It's good to have Corey back. We saw what he means to us. We missed him."
Looking ahead, Seager is expected to continue serving as the designated hitter for the series finale on Thursday. The Rangers are cautious about managing Seager's hamstring issue to ensure he remains healthy for the rest of the season.
Key Play Secures Victory for Rangers
The Rangers' victory was secured in dramatic fashion when Dodgers rookie Andy Pages ran through a stop sign and was thrown out at the plate for the final out. This crucial defensive play ensured that the Rangers held on for the victory, adding another close win to their season record.
Quotes
Reflecting on the game, Rangers manager Bruce Bochy commented, "It's good to have Corey back. We saw what he means to us. We missed him." Seager himself acknowledged the mixed reactions from Dodgers fans, saying, "It kind of comes with the territory, I get it. I don't blame them."
Overall, Corey Seager's return to Dodger Stadium was marked by a remarkable performance that played a pivotal role in the Rangers' victory, showcasing once again why he is one of the most impactful players in the game today. As the series continues, all eyes will be on Seager to see how he handles both the expectations and the management of his hamstring issue.