Full Breakdown
Seager’s Concussion List Move Highlights Rangers’ Injury Woes
6/16/2026, 5:04:16 AM
Collision and Concussion List Placement
The Rangers placed shortstop Corey Seager on the seven-day concussion IL after a home-plate collision with Kansas City catcher Carter Jensen on Thursday at Kauffman Stadium. Seager stayed in the game, homered, but later reported jaw and rib soreness that evolved into mild concussion symptoms. The move is retroactive to Friday; utility infielder Josh Smith was reinstated from the 10-day IL.
Recent Injury History
Seager missed 19 games in May-June with lower-back inflammation, his second IL stint this season, and has previously dealt with leg issues, a sports hernia and an appendectomy. Josh Smith returned from a six-week absence caused by a right glute strain, left-wrist inflammation and viral meningitis, completing rehab assignments at Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Round-Rock.
Timeline of Moves
June 12 – Seager collides with Jensen. June 13 – Seager reports soreness but continues playing. June 14 – He sits out the Boston finale; concussion symptoms noted. June 15 – Rangers place Seager on the seven-day concussion IL and activate Josh Smith. June 15-16 – Nicky Lopez starts at shortstop; Ezequiel Duran shifts to cover outfield.
Stats and Roster Impact
Seager’s line is .186/.284/.373 with a .657 OPS and a 26.5 % strikeout rate. The Rangers sit 35-36, tied third in the AL West, one game behind Seattle. Injuries also involve Evan Carter (oblique strain), Michael Helman (fractured finger), Wyatt Langford (outfielder) and others, limiting depth.
Official Statements & Concerns
Manager Skip Schumaker called concussions “tricky,” noting fluctuating symptoms and the lack of a standard rehab protocol. He praised Josh Smith’s mental and physical resilience after viral meningitis and a glute strain. Smith said his wrist feels good and his strength and stamina are manageable for baseball.
On-the-Ground Account
During the collision, Seager and Jensen crashed while Seager attempted to score from first on Brandon Nimmo’s double; Seager remained in the game and later homered.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Seager’s symptom description—some cite jaw and rib soreness, others mild concussion symptoms—and on whether the IL move was retroactive to Friday or Monday. No definitive timeline beyond “when he is symptom-free” is provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I've been on one before, they're so tricky,” — Skip Schumaker, Rangers manager
- “If you have a concussion, you feel like there’s a foggy, light-headed feeling,” — Skip Schumaker, Rangers manager
- “The thing I've been worried about most is my wrist, but that's been feeling good,” — Josh Smith, utility infielder
- “I mean, that was not easy, all the stuff that he went through physically, probably mentally as well.” — Skip Schumaker, Rangers manager
What's Next
Seager is eligible to return on Friday, June 21, if symptom-free; the Rangers will open a series against the San Diego Padres without him otherwise. Josh Smith is expected to see regular time across the infield and occasional outfield duties while the club evaluates further roster moves.
