UPDATE: The Texas Rangers have confirmed that star middle infielders Corey Seager and Marcus Semien will not return to play this season, effectively shutting down their campaigns due to injuries. Manager Bruce Bochy made the announcement just hours before the Rangers opened their final home series against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night.
Seager and Semien will finish the season sidelined, marking a disappointing end to their fourth year together. Semien has been out since August 22, 2023, due to a broken bone and sprained ligament in his left foot. Seager’s season ended after undergoing an appendectomy just days later. With both players out and playoff hopes dashed, Bochy stated, “They’re done. They’re pretty much shut down.”
While Seager and Semien are out, there is a glimmer of excitement as Jacob deGrom is set to make his last scheduled start on Wednesday against the Twins. The two-time Cy Young Award winner, who has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, has already made 30 starts this year, throwing 167.2 innings—a significant improvement after missing most of the past two seasons.
Seager, who signed a massive $325 million contract, and Semien, who inked a $175 million deal, were expected to be cornerstones for the franchise. Despite their injuries, both players had hoped to return, particularly as the Rangers surged with a 13-3 record in late August. However, a seven-game losing streak ended their postseason aspirations, prompting Bochy to prioritize their long-term health over a rushed comeback.
“It’s not worth the risk. He’s not quite ready. Same with Marcus,” Bochy said regarding the players’ potential return.
Seager finishes the season with a batting average of .271, hitting 21 home runs and driving in 50 RBIs over 102 games. Semien, on the other hand, will conclude the season with 127 games played, the fewest for him since 2017. He recorded a batting average of .230, with 15 homers and 62 RBIs.
The Rangers’ ownership and fans will be watching closely as deGrom takes the mound one last time this season, hoping for a strong performance to close out the year. His return to form is crucial as the Rangers look to rebound in the following season with their star players back in the lineup.
As the Rangers look towards the future, the impact of Seager and Semien’s injuries underscores the challenges faced during this season. The organization will need to assess their roster and make strategic decisions as they prepare for the 2025 season.
