Corey Seager's Triumphant Return to Dodger Stadium
Corey Seager made a triumphant return to Dodger Stadium, delivering a clutch, go-ahead, three-run homer that 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. The former Dodgers star, who signed a massive $325 million, 10-year contract with the Rangers, made an impressive statement on his old stomping grounds.
A Monumental Home Run
Seager's 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. The homer marked Seager's 60th at Dodger Stadium, placing him sixth among active players in home runs at the historic ballpark.
So far this season, Seager has hit 14 home runs, showcasing his sustained power and ability to deliver in crucial moments.
A Warm Welcome and Swift Turn of Tides
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 upon his return. However, after Seager's go-ahead homer on Wednesday, the crowd of 48,930 expressed their displeasure when he came up to bat again.
Seager had missed his fourth consecutive game due to a hamstring issue on Tuesday. He returned to the lineup as the designated hitter on Wednesday and went 1-for-3 with a strikeout in his first game back. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy expressed relief and gratitude for Seager's return, highlighting his significance to the team.
"It's good to have Corey back. We saw what he means to us. We missed him," said Bochy.
Managing Seager's Hamstring Issue
Seager is expected to continue serving as the designated hitter for the series finale on Thursday. The Rangers aim to manage Seager's hamstring issue cautiously, ensuring he remains fit for the long haul of the season.
The game saw its dramatic conclusion when Dodgers rookie Andy Pages ran through a stop sign and was thrown out at the plate for the final out, cementing the Rangers' 3-2 victory.
Quotes from the Game
Corey Seager himself seemed to understand the mixed emotions from the Dodgers' fans, saying, "It kind of comes with the territory, I get it. I don't blame them."
Indeed, the roller-coaster of emotions that accompanied Seager's return to Dodger Stadium was a testament to his impactful history with the club. As the Rangers continue their season, they will look to Seager's leadership and clutch performances to propel them forward, while Dodgers fans reconcile their appreciation for a former star with the reality of competitive sports.