ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Corey Seager took live batting practice Sunday for the first time since the Texas Rangers shortstop was sidelined by a back injury for the second time this season on July 1.
Seager finished the session with a home run and was planning to take live BP again Monday before what would appear to be a minor league rehab assignment.
The two-time World Series MVP played two games in the minors in early June when he was returning from a three-week absence because of lower back inflammation. Seager spent two more weeks on the injured list in June after getting a concussion.
“It's just tough to mimic some in-game stuff,” manager Skip Schumaker said of a possible rehab stint. “It's always up to the player. Because he missed so much time, we're going to discuss it. Looked like today was really good. See what it feels like tomorrow, and then we'll discuss the rehab assignment.”
Seager was removed from a game at Toronto in the first inning on June 30 because of back discomfort. The five-time All-Star is almost certain to play his fewest games since joining the Rangers in 2022.
Seager has been limited to 51 games in what has been the worst season of his career. He is hitting .182 with 10 home runs and 25 RBIs. Seager was in an 0-for-27 slide, the worst of his career, when he was sidelined by the back injury the first time.
After returning from the concussion, Seager played in three games before his back flared up. He wasn't ready to say he had a better handle on dealing with a balky back for a second time.
“I would love to tell you yes, but backs are not what you want,” Seager said.
The Rangers also are hopeful for the return soon of a pair of left-handers who haven't pitched in the big leagues since 2024.
Jordan Montgomery underwent the second elbow reconstruction surgery of his career last year when he was with Arizona. He joined the Diamondbacks after playing a key role for the Rangers when they won the World Series in 2023. Montgomery rejoined the Rangers on a one-year contract this year.
Cody Bradford, who had elbow surgery in June 2025, made 34 appearances in 21 starts over his first two big league seasons with the Rangers before getting shut down during spring training last year. Bradford also had a strong showing in the World Series when he was a rookie.
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
Texas Rangers Corey Seager smiles in the dugout during a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Sunday, July 26, 2026, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Texas Rangers' Corey Seager looks on from the dugout during a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Sunday, July 26, 2026, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
WASHINGTON (AP) — CJ Abrams and James Wood both homered twice and drove in three runs as the Washington Nationals beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-7 on Sunday to take two of three games in their weekend series.
Dylan Crews and Abrams each had three of Washington's 15 hits. The surprising Nationals (54-52) moved within a game of Arizona for the final National League playoff spot in a crowded wild-card race.
The 25-year-old Abrams leads the majors with 82 RBIs. He has 27 home runs this season, breaking the franchise record for shortstops set by Ian Desmond with 25 in 2012.
Wood leads the team with 30 homers, including a two-run shot that tied the score at 4 in the fifth inning. Three batters later, Abrams connected for a two-run drive off Jonathan Loáisiga (2-3) that put Washington ahead for good.
It was Abrams' seventh homer in his last seven games.
Brady House and Jacob Young hit consecutive RBI soubles in the seventh. Young scored on a throwing error by pitcher Brandyn Garcia to make it 9-4, and Wood tacked on a solo homer in the eighth.
House also doubled in his first at-bat and scored on Young's single. House was recalled from the minors to play third base after Curtis Mead was traded to Boston for left-hander Connelly Early on Saturday night.
Riley Cornelio (2-1) gave up one run in two innings for the win. Clayton Beeter got three outs for his 10th save.
Geraldo Perdomo and Ketel Marte homered for Arizona. Gabriel Moreno had two hits and two RBIs.
Moreno has reached base safely in 42 straight games.
Diamondbacks: RHP Merrill Kelly (8-8, 5.12 ERA) faces Pirates RHP Mitch Keller (6-7, 4.90) in a series opener Monday.
Nationals: LHP Andrew Alvarez (2-3, 4.22 ERA) starts Monday against Toronto.
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
Washington Nationals' Brady House scores a run on a Nationals' Jacob Young RBI single during the second inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Sunday, July 26, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)
Washington Nationals Brady House hits a double during the second inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Sunday, July 26, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)
Washington Nationals left fielder Dylan Crews, left, center fielder Jacob Young, center, and right fielder James Wood, right, celebrate after their team's victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks in a baseball game, Sunday, July 26, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)
Washington Nationals' James Wood runs around the bases after hitting a solo home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Sunday, July 26, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)
Washington Nationals' CJ Abrams hits a solo home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Sunday, July 26, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)
