Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager has been activated from the injured list, the team announced today. To make room for him on the active roster, the Rangers have optioned first baseman Blaine Crim to AAA Round Rock.
Manager Bruce Bochy said yesterday that Seager was expected to be activated and in the lineup today. I am curious as to how Seager is deployed, at least initially. Josh Smith has been manning shortstop in Seager’s absence, and Bochy could use Seager primarily at DH for the time being, particularly with Joc Pederson out until sometime in July. That would have Smith getting the bulk of the playing time at shortstop. Smith, however, has struggled of late, going 4 for his last 39 and slashing .103/.143/.128 in his last 11 games.
Seager has, as always, been good when he’s been on the field this year, slashing .300/.346/.520. Unfortunately, he’s only appeared in 26 games so far this season.