The Texas Rangers may be getting their superstar shortstop back sooner than expected.
Rangers manager Bruce Bochy told reporters on Friday in Surprise, including 105.3 The Fan's Jared Sandler, that he is "more optimistic" about Corey Seager's chances of playing on Opening Day after watching him take swings on Thursday.
Bochy said the plan is for Seager to face live pitching on Monday and play in a game on the backfields late next week, giving the 2022 World Series MVP a real shot at being ready for the club's home opener against the Chicago Cubs on March 28.
Seager, 29, underwent surgery to repair a sports hernia on Jan. 30 and said last month that he wasn't sure if he'd be ready for Opening Day. The original timeline for Seager's return was set at six to 12 weeks and he's now six-and-a-half weeks removed from the procedure.
Seager said he suffered the injury at some point last season and played through the postseason despite it. He was told the injury should heal with rest but was advised to undergo surgery after he didn't recover.
