The Texas Rangers were having their best offensive game of the season when shortstop Corey Seager was forced to leave because of right hamstring tightness.
The Texas Rangers scored a season-high in runs Tuesday night amid a lineup shakeup and a prevailing wind at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento. Just as the Rangers’ offense broke through, though, their shortstop and hottest hitter might be heading to the injured list.
Corey Seager exited the game in the sixth inning after his right hamstring grabbed as he ran to first base on an inning-ending fielder’s choice. The Rangers are awaiting an MRI exam to determine if the two-time World Series MVP needs time on the 10-day injured list.
“He was swinging so well,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “So, we’re knocking on wood that it’s not serious.”
The Rangers beat the A’s 8-5 behind four home runs and a new leadoff hitter, Josh Smith. Seager dropped to third in the lineup behind Wyatt Langford, and the new top of the lineup helped produce two first-inning runs.
Even if Seager doesn’t need the IL, the Rangers could make a roster move for an extra infielder as insurance. The Rangers would be short a player who could move into the lineup in case of another injury.
Only last week, Smith missed four games because of a bruised thumb, but Ezequiel Duran was on the roster in case something happened to one of the other four infielders.
Duran was optioned to Triple A Round Rock on Sunday as outfielder Wyatt Langford came off the IL, but Duran would be eligible to be recalled for a Seager IL move despite not spending the requisite 10 days on option. Jonathan Ornelas is another consideration to take Seager’s roster spot.
The Rangers could, conceivably, roll the dice without a roster move. Marcus Semien played shortstop at the beginning of his career, and first baseman Jake Burger can play third base and second base. Dustin Harris is another possibility at first base.
Seager is batting .370 with three homers and a 1.029 OPS in the past 12 games.
Jeff Wilson, jwilson@alldlls.com
