ARLINGTON — Rangers shortstop Corey Seager might have just one last hurdle to clear before he returns from the concussion injured list.
Seager underwent a “high-intensity ramp-up” before Saturday’s game vs. the San Diego Padres at Globe Life Field, according to Rangers manager Skip Schumaker. The 32-year-old had what Schumaker described as his “best day” of work prior to Friday’s series opener, but will now be monitored to see how he feels during and after a more aggressive session.
“I don’t want to say it’s the final step,” Schumaker said, “but that is where it’s trending, kind of the final step, so hopefully we get more good news after today’s workout.”
Seager has missed eight consecutive games after a home plate collision a week-and-a-half ago left him with a mild concussion and has only played in five games since May 13 because of two separate injuries. He missed three weeks with lower back inflammation, returned earlier this month and got only five starts before he collided with Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen in a game on June 11. The two ailments forced Seager’s seventh and eighth injured list stints in his four-plus seasons with the Rangers.
“It feels like it’s progressing maybe faster than what we thought initially,” Schumaker said. “He feels really good, so I would guess that’s going to take some swings in a couple of days and go through his progression, which means it’s way ahead of the timeline. You know me, I don’t really give timelines or deadlines, but he’s in a really good spot right now.”