The latest update on Corey Seager’s injury is not catastrophic, but it is not ideal either. The shortstop is expected to miss approximately four to five weeks of spring training due to an undisclosed injury. However, the Texas Rangers remain optimistic that Seager will be ready to play by Opening Day on March 28, or at most a few games later. As a result, the team does not plan on signing any additional infielders for depth. They have confidence in their existing roster, starting with Ezequiel Duran.
Duran proved himself capable last season when he filled in for Seager during his recovery from a pulled hamstring. While Duran’s performance dipped when he substituted for third baseman Josh Jung, the Rangers were impressed with his dedication and work ethic during the postseason. If Seager is unable to play in the season opener, Duran is expected to take his place, with Josh Smith and Jonathan Ornelas also available as options. In fact, if Seager is healthy, Duran may even secure a spot as the designated hitter.
While Duran is a top choice for the Rangers, other players like Wyatt Langford, their first-round pick in 2023, and Justin Foscue, their first-rounder in 2020, could also influence the team’s decision. As of now, Duran is a significant part of the Rangers’ spring training plans, but his playing time during the regular season may be affected by Langford, Foscue, and other potential contributors.
In other baseball news, legendary pitcher Nolan Ryan celebrates his 77th birthday today. Ryan, known for his remarkable career spanning 27 years in Major League Baseball, continues to defy age. He holds the record for throwing seven no-hitters and stands as the all-time strikeout leader with 5,714 strikeouts. Despite his incredible achievements, Ryan surprisingly never won a Cy Young Award. In 1973, he finished second to Jim Palmer, who ultimately claimed the award. Ryan’s outstanding performance that year included breaking Sandy Koufax’s single-season strikeout record and recording two no-hitters.
It’s interesting to note that advanced statistics like bWAR and ERA+ favored Ryan even more than Palmer. However, Bert Blyleven had even better stats than both Ryan and Palmer, leading some to speculate that if those stats had been considered back then, Blyleven might have won the Cy Young Award and entered the Hall of Fame earlier than he did.
Shifting gears, former Texas Ranger Nick Solak may have a significant role with the Seattle Mariners in 2024. Solak recently signed a minor-league deal with the Mariners and will participate in their spring camp in Peoria, which is located close to the Rangers’ camp. Solak is a versatile player capable of playing multiple positions, making him valuable to any team. He joined the Rangers in 2019 after being traded from the Tampa Bay Rays for Pete Fairbanks. While the Rays have been considered the winners of that trade, Solak had the opportunity to secure starting positions at second base and third base for the Rangers in 2021. However, he struggled to maintain consistency throughout the season, resulting in him missing out on a spot on the team once Marcus Semien joined and the Rangers’ overall performance improved. As a result, Solak spent time with multiple organizations last season in search of a roster spot.
The team at Rangers Today wishes Solak the best in his future endeavors. And as a change of pace, here’s a fun video featuring dogs—just make sure to take that hat off my head. Enjoy!