UPDATE: The Texas Rangers have confirmed that star infielders Corey Seager and Marcus Semien will not return for the remainder of the 2023 season. Manager Bruce Bochy announced the decision just before the team opened its final home series against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night.
Both players have been sidelined since late August. Semien has not played since August 22 due to a broken bone and sprained ligament in his left foot, while Seager underwent an appendectomy shortly after Semien’s injury. Bochy stated, “They’re done. They’re pretty much shut down.”
As the Rangers face elimination from playoff contention, the absence of Seager and Semien marks a significant blow to the team. Despite a recent surge, including a 13-3 run that reignited hopes, a damaging seven-game losing streak quashed postseason aspirations with only six games left in the season.
In a brighter development for the Rangers, Jacob deGrom is set to make his final scheduled start of the season on Wednesday against the Twins. The two-time Cy Young Award winner, who boasts a record of 12-8 with a 3.01 ERA, has completed 30 starts this year following two injury-riddled seasons.
Bochy confirmed deGrom’s eagerness to pitch, stating, “He wants to pitch.” This season has seen deGrom return to form, amassing 167.2 innings after struggling with injuries in recent years.
Seager and Semien, acquired in a combined free agency deal worth nearly $500 million, were expected to be pivotal in the Rangers’ quest for a championship. Seager, who signed a $325 million deal, hit .271 with 21 home runs and 50 RBIs in 102 games. Unfortunately, injuries have plagued both players, with Semien finishing the season with a batting average of .230, 15 homers, and 62 RBIs in just 127 games.
Bochy noted the possibility of their return if the Rangers had made the postseason, but emphasized the risk was not worth it. “Marcus is making a lot of improvement. Corey not quite as fast as we were hoping,” he added.
As fans look ahead, the focus will shift to how the Rangers can regroup for the next season and the implications of these injuries on their roster. The final games of this season will be crucial for evaluating the team’s future strategy.
