Seager was hitting .271/.373/.487 with a 149 OPS+, 21 homers and 50 RBIs in 102 games this season before he underwent the appendectomy. Though the Rangers have continued to play well over the last two weeks, pulling to within 3 1/2 games of the final AL Wild Card spot, they could no doubt still use Seager’s bat back in the lineup.
The Rangers have averaged 4.56 runs per game since Aug. 29, though that day began a three-game sweep of the Athletics in West Sacramento. That total is tied for 15th in baseball over that time period.
But in the five losses over that time period, Texas is averaging 1.60 runs per game, which is 30th.
“He's actually taking some real easy swings [on Tuesday],” Bochy said. “We'll ramp it up tomorrow with the swings. I said once he started getting to a point where he could rotate a little bit better, things would ramp up. He's still a little sore, though, and we're not gonna overdo it today.”
Over the last 10 days of the regular season, Bochy and the Rangers' staff and front office will need to walk a fine line between wanting their superstars back for the final postseason push and letting the young guys continue to keep this thing alive alone.
“You know how much time you have to work with,” Bochy said. “So honestly, there's a little sense of urgency with getting these guys back. If not, then they're shut down for the regular season.”
