Rangers Place Corey Seager on Injured List With Back Inflammation

Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager has been placed on the 10-day injured list with lower back inflammation, marking his third IL stint of the season. The move was made before Wednesday's game against the Cleveland Guardians after Seager was removed from Tuesday's contest during pre-game warmups due to a flare-up.

The 32-year-old five-time All-Star had only just returned to the lineup on June 25 after missing 12 games with a concussion sustained in a home plate collision on June 11. He also missed 19 games from mid-May through early June due to back problems. In his brief return, Seager went 1-for-15 at the plate with a home run.

Injuries have severely limited Seager's 2026 campaign, restricting him to just 50 games and 219 plate appearances where he has struggled offensively. He is batting .182 with 10 home runs and 25 RBIs, a significant drop from his career norms.

To fill the roster spot, the Rangers recalled infielder Josh Smith from Triple-A Round Rock. Smith, who was optioned on June 19, hit .235 with one home run in eight games at Round Rock. His promotion comes as the Rangers navigate a tight American League West race, having won six consecutive games to move into first...