Corey Seager's Triumphant Return to Dodger Stadium
Corey Seager made a memorable return to Dodger Stadium, delivering a clutch, go-ahead, three-run homer that propelled the Texas Rangers to a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers 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.
A Hero's Welcome
Seager, who signed a massive $325 million, 10-year contract with the Rangers, was warmly welcomed back to Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers' faithful greeted him with a heartfelt 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, expressed his appreciation for the reception.
A Game-Changing Home Run
In the fifth inning, Seager's three-run blast off Walker Buehler soared 422 feet and was clocked at an astounding 111 mph. This home run, Seager's hardest-hit of the season, tied for the longest homer he has hit this year. It also marked Seager's 60th home run at Dodger Stadium, placing him sixth among active players in home runs at the storied ballpark.
Seager, who has hit 14 home runs so far this season, acknowledged the mixed emotions of returning to his former home field. Speaking about his homer and the reaction from the crowd, he said, "It kind of comes with the territory, I get it. I don't blame them."
Managing Injuries and Expectations
Seager, who had missed four consecutive games due to a hamstring issue as recently as Tuesday, returned to the lineup as the designated hitter on Wednesday. He went 1-for-3 with a strikeout in his first game back. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy expressed relief and gratitude for Seager's timely return, stating, "It's good to have Corey back. We saw what he means to us. We missed him."
Bochy and the Rangers are expected to cautiously manage Seager's hamstring issue, with plans to keep him serving as the designated hitter for the series finale on Thursday. The decision underscores the importance of Seager's health and contributions to the team as they navigate through the season.
A Dramatic Conclusion
The Rangers held on for the victory in dramatic fashion when Dodgers rookie Andy Pages ran through a stop sign and was thrown out at the plate for the final out. The play secured the 3-2 win for the Rangers and underscored the high stakes and intensity of the matchup.
Seager's triumphant return to Dodger Stadium serves as a reminder of his talent and impact on the game. As he continues to make his mark with the Rangers, fans and teammates alike will be watching closely, eager to see what Seager achieves next.
Quotes
"It's good to have Corey back. We saw what he means to us. We missed him." - Bruce Bochy
"It kind of comes with the territory, I get it. I don't blame them." - Corey Seager