Full Breakdown
Corey Seager Removed from Texas Rangers Lineup After Back Flare-Up
7/1/2026, 3:59:00 PM
Rangers Pull Shortstop Corey Seager After Back Discomfort
During the Tuesday game at Progressive Field, Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager was removed from the lineup before his first at-bat after trainer Matt Lucero noted sudden back tightness. Manager Skip Schumaker, informed just before the game, pinch-hit rookie Cam Cauley, who had debuted the night before, and shifted Nicky Lopez from second base to shortstop. Texas defeated the Cleveland Guardians 4–2, extending its winning streak to six games.
Recent Injury History and Performance Slump
Seager’s back issue follows a series of recent health setbacks. On June 11 he suffered a concussion after a collision at home plate with Kansas City catcher Carter Jensen. Earlier in the season he missed 19 games due to lower-back inflammation, and he previously endured back spasms that progressed to inflammation. In June he sat out 12 games because of the concussion and appeared in only three games before missing the first two contests of the Guardians series. Since returning, he has posted a .182 batting average with 10 home runs and 25 RBIs in 50 games, far below his career .284 average.
Numbers at a Glance
- Corey Seager (2024): .182/.292/.374, 10 HR, 25 RBI, 50 games.
- Career average: .284.
- Games missed: 19 (back inflammation), 12 (concussion), 3 (post-concussion).
- Rangers recent performance: 6-game winning streak; Jacob deGrom delivered seven strong innings in the Tuesday win.
- Other injuries: Outfielder Brandon Nimmo (sprained left AC joint), first-baseman Wyatt Langford (left hamstring strain) placed on the injured list.
Official Statements & Team Response
Seager indicated the flare-up was unexpected and expressed hope for a quick recovery, saying he would feel better the following day. Manager Schumaker described the decision to remove Seager as a precaution, emphasizing the team’s unwillingness to risk further injury. Trainer Lucero confirmed the back tightness was observed during the warm-up routine despite Seager completing his pre-game stretching. The coaching staff reiterated that the Rangers will assess Seager’s condition before the next game and praised the collective effort that secured the win.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Hopefully it’s just a flareup and I’ll feel better tomorrow and we can go from there,” — Corey Seager, Texas Rangers shortstop
- “I had to pivot,” — Skip Schumaker, Texas Rangers manager
- “Baseball doesn't stop for anyone,” — Skip Schumaker, Texas Rangers manager
- “He was getting ready to go hit and the trainer gabbed me and said he's got some back tightness,” — Skip Schumaker, Texas Rangers manager
- “not trying to be dumb” — Corey Seager, Texas Rangers shortstop
What’s Next
Rangers will re-evaluate Seager’s back on Wednesday to decide if he can rejoin the lineup. The article notes a long-term injury to Seager would have significant impact on the Rangers, who have also placed Wyatt Langford on the injured list and are without Brandon Nimmo.
