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Rangers facing roster decision ahead of Corey Seager’s injury return
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- Rangers facing roster decision ahead of Corey Seager’s injury return
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The Texas Rangers are expected to reassemble more of their core Friday against the Cleveland Guardians , but doing so has required a round of corresponding roster moves.
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The team has reportedly begun the process of activating shortstop Corey Seager from the injured list after he missed time with lower back inflammation. To create room on the roster, Texas plans to option Alejandro Osuna and Cody Freeman to Triple-A Round Rock.
Seager has been out since May 18 and experienced multiple setbacks during his recovery, delaying his return. He most recently appeared in a rehab assignment with Double-A Frisco on Wednesday, playing six innings and going 0-for-3 at the plate.
The five-time All-Star has found offense hard to come by this season. Through 42 games, Seager owns a .179 batting average, a .286 on-base percentage and a .353 slugging percentage, along with seven home runs and 20 RBIs. His difficult start included an 0-for-27 stretch before landing on the injured list.
The Rangers also appear set to activate Wyatt Langford , who has been out since April 22 with a Grade 1 flexor strain. With roster spots suddenly at a premium, Osuna became the unfortunate byproduct of his return, heading back to Triple-A even after a productive stint in the majors.
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Osuna hit .253 batting average with nine RBIs in 37 games and recorded a .376 on-base percentage. However, Texas chose to retain Evan Carter , whose overall numbers include a .171 average and .623 OPS. The Rangers value Carter's defensive impact, and his .703 OPS against right-handed pitching exceeds Osuna's .651 mark. The team's strategy also includes limiting plate appearances against left-handed pitchers for both left-handed hitters.
The decision additionally preserves a role for Michael Helman as a right-handed option in center field against left-handed pitching. Texas is also expected to keep Langford primarily in left field, believing reduced center-field duties could help manage his injury concerns.
The Rangers enter Friday having won five of their last six games. Despite a 30-32 record, they sit only 2.5 games behind first place in the American League West.
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