Corey Seager's Triumphant Return to Dodger Stadium
Corey Seager made a highly anticipated return to Dodger Stadium and made it count, delivering a crucial, go-ahead three-run homer that sealed a 3-2 victory for the Texas Rangers on Wednesday night. This game marked Seager's first regular-season appearance at the iconic venue since he left as a free agent in 2021.
Seager's Massive Contract
In 2021, Seager signed a staggering $325 million, 10-year contract with the Rangers, a move that brought many expectations. The return to his former home field offered him the perfect stage to prove his worth, and he did so in spectacular fashion.
A Monumental Home Run
In the fifth inning, Seager unleashed a monstrous 422-foot home run off Walker Buehler that was clocked at an impressive 111 mph. This was not only Seager's hardest-hit home run of the season but also tied for his longest. The blast marked his 60th home run at Dodger Stadium, placing him sixth among active players in home runs at the venue. So far this season, Seager has amassed 14 home runs.
Warm Reception and Mixed Reactions
The Dodgers' faithful welcomed Seager warmly with a video tribute during Tuesday's series opener. Seager, who was the 2016 National League Rookie of the Year and the 2020 NL and World Series MVP with the Dodgers, received a hero's reception from the crowd. However, the cheers turned to boos when Seager's go-ahead homer on Wednesday night shifted the momentum in favor of the Rangers.
Following the homer, the crowd of 48,930 expressed their displeasure when Seager came up to bat again, a reaction Seager seemed to take in stride. "It kind of comes with the territory, I get it. I don't blame them," he stated.
Overcoming Injury
Seager's triumphant return was especially significant given that he missed his fourth consecutive game due to a hamstring issue on Tuesday. He returned to the lineup as the designated hitter on Wednesday, going 1-for-3 with a strikeout in his first game back. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy expressed relief and gratitude for Seager's return, noting, "It's good to have Corey back. We saw what he means to us. We missed him."
Bochy also indicated that Seager is expected to continue serving as the designated hitter for the series finale on Thursday, highlighting the team's cautious approach in managing his hamstring issue.
Dramatic Conclusion
The Rangers held on for the nail-biting victory when Dodgers rookie Andy Pages ran through a stop sign and was thrown out at the plate for the final out, much to the relief of the Rangers and their fans. The win was a significant morale booster for the team, affirming their resilience and strategic acumen.
Quotes from the Field
Bruce Bochy succinctly summed up the Rangers' sentiment, saying, "It's good to have Corey back. We saw what he means to us. We missed him." Meanwhile, Seager, reflective yet understanding of the mixed reception he received, remarked, "It kind of comes with the territory, I get it. I don't blame them."
As the Rangers manage Seager’s hamstring issue cautiously, his performance in the game reaffirms his invaluable presence on the team. The series finale on Thursday will be another opportunity for Seager to showcase his skills and for the Rangers to build on their momentum.