The Texas Rangers have placed shortstop Corey Seager on the seven-day concussion-related injured list following a collision during a play in Kansas City on Thursday. Infielder Josh Smith was reinstated from the 10-day IL in a corresponding move. The Rangers announced the move after Seager failed to return to the lineup following the incident.
The injury occurred when Seager was attempting to score from first base on a double by New York Mets’ Brandon Nimmo. As he slid into home plate, Kansas City catcher Carter Jensen fielded the throw and made contact with Seager during the play. The impact left Seager visibly shaken and he has not played since.
This is the second IL stint for Seager this season. He was placed on the IL in mid-May due to low back inflammation and missed nearly a month before returning on June 3. In limited action since his return, Seager has hit just .186/.284/.373, the worst offensive performance of his MLB career.
Josh Smith’s return to the active roster is a welcomed development after a long and complicated absence. Smith was placed on the IL in early May due to a glute strain and later dealt with wrist inflammation and a hospitalization for viral meningitis. He spent nearly six weeks on the shelf before earning his way back into the lineup.
Ezequiel Durán has seized the opportunity created by the injuries to Seager and Smith. The 23-year-old hit .281/.332/.429 in 2026 after spending most of last season as a bench player. With Seager out, Durán is expected to take over the majority of shortstop duties while Smith reclaims the second base role.
The Rangers enter a crucial stretch of the season with a young core looking to establish itself. The team is currently 40-45 and in fourth place in the AL West. With the AL wild card race shaping up to be competitive, Seager’s availability will be a key factor.
Seager will be eligible to return from the IL on June 20. The Rangers will monitor his progress and determine whether he can return to the lineup in time for a pivotal series against the Oakland A’s.
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