Full Breakdown
Corey Seager Remains Sidelined by Back Spasms
5/18/2026, 4:45:58 AM
Seager’s Absence Extends Into Second Game
Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager missed a second consecutive game on Sunday, May 12, 2026, against the Houston Astros due to back spasms. The team’s manager, Skip Schumaker, confirmed that Seager underwent an MRI that morning, but the results had not been released at game time. Consequently, Seager will not travel with the Rangers to Denver for the series finale and will instead return to Arlington for additional testing.
Season Struggles and Health Concerns
Seager entered the season as an All-Star but now faces a career-worst offensive slump. Over 42 games, he has recorded a .179 batting average, seven home runs, and a run-batted-in total reported as either 19 or 20, depending on the source. The slump includes a 0-for-27 stretch, the longest hitless streak of his career, compounding concerns about his recent back discomfort.
Key Personnel
Corey Seager, 32, is the Rangers’ primary shortstop and a central figure in the lineup. Skip Schumaker, the Rangers’ manager, has overseen Seager’s health management, coordinating the MRI and deciding on travel restrictions. Both individuals are directly quoted in team communications regarding the injury and its impact on roster decisions.
Performance Metrics
- Batting average: .179
- Home runs: 7
- RBIs: 19 / 20 (discrepancy noted)
- Games played: 42
- Hitless streak: 0-for-27
These figures illustrate the statistical decline accompanying Seager’s physical issues and underscore the urgency of his medical evaluation.
Official Statements & Responses
Schumaker said Seager showed slight improvement on Sunday but was still not ready to play. He emphasized a cautious approach, noting the team chose not to push the shortstop. The manager also expressed hope that Seager could return for the Sunday series finale, while confirming the decision to keep him off the Denver travel roster pending further assessment.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The two source articles differ on Seager’s RBI total—one lists 20 RBIs, the other 19 RBIs. Additionally, while Schumaker expressed optimism about a Sunday return, the MRI results remain unavailable, leaving Seager’s exact condition and the likelihood of his participation in the Denver game unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- "He was in here before I got here," — Skip Schumaker, Rangers Manager
- "I got here early, and he was here before me trying to get in the lineup." — Skip Schumaker, Rangers Manager
- "He wanted to see if he could loosen up when he got here," — Skip Schumaker, Rangers Manager
- "Just didn’t loosen up, so just wanted to play it smart and not push him." — Skip Schumaker, Rangers Manager
Outlook
The Rangers will reassess Seager’s status after the Arlington testing and pending MRI results. If cleared, he could rejoin the lineup for the series finale; otherwise, the team may continue to adjust the shortstop position while monitoring his recovery.
