The Texas Rangers placed shortstop Corey Seager on the seven-day concussion injured list, an MLB roster move that also cleared Josh Smith to return from a six-week absence.
MLB's transaction log lists Seager's placement as retroactive to June 12 with a concussion designation. ESPN and MLB Trade Rumors both reported that Smith was activated from the 10-day injured list in the corresponding move.
Seager IL Move Follows Kansas City Collision
The injury stemmed from a home-plate collision in Kansas City, when Seager tried to score from first base on a Brandon Nimmo double and collided with Royals catcher Carter Jensen. ESPN reported that Seager stayed in the game, homered, and later began reporting concussion symptoms.
Manager Skip Schumaker told ESPN that Seager had mentioned a sore jaw while remaining in the Rangers' 4-2 win over the Royals. Schumaker said Seager went through hitting, fielding, throwing and running progressions, but did not feel good near the end of the running work.
The seven-day concussion list is retroactive to Friday, according to ESPN. Schumaker did not say whether Seager would be ready when first eligible to return.
Another Setback In Seager's Season
The concussion issue compounds an already interrupted season for Seager. ESPN reported that the five-time All-Star missed 19 games in May and early June because of lower back inflammation.
MLB Trade Rumors reported that Seager has hit .186/.284/.373 this season, the worst offensive line of his career to this point. ESPN listed him at .186 with nine home runs and 24 RBIs.
For Texas, the issue is not only replacing a shortstop. Seager is a two-time World Series MVP, and his absence removes a central bat from a lineup already navigating several injuries.
Josh Smith Returns To Rangers Infield
Smith returned after a layoff that included a glute strain, wrist inflammation and viral meningitis. ESPN reported that he came off the bench Monday in a 4-2 loss to the Minnesota Twins and fouled out as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning.
Smith entered the year as Texas' primary second baseman and can also cover all four infield spots and the outfield. ESPN reported he played eight rehab games with Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Round Rock before rejoining the Rangers.
MLB Trade Rumors noted that Ezequiel Duran should get most of the shortstop work while Seager is out, with Smith at second base. That alignment gives Texas a working plan, but the injury list now has another regular name on it.