Why Rangers’ Corey Seager is not in lineup Sunday vs. Guardians

The Texas Rangers recently welcomed shortstop Corey Seager back from the injured list. But as they face the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday, Seager isn’t in the lineup.

Rangers fans don’t need to hold their breath though. Manager Skip Schumaker confirmed that the the team is managing the shortstop’s reps coming off of IL. He’ll have an extra day of rest now with no game scheduled on Monday, via Kennedi Landry of MLB.com. Ezequiel Duran is playing shortstop and batting fifth, the team announced.

Seager had been on the IL with back inflammation since May 18. In his first game back though, he hit am eventual game-winning two-run home run over the Guardians. Sunday’s absence should be viewed as nothing more than precaution.

Entering the game with a 31-33 record, Texas will be relying on their shortstop throughout their playoff hunt. They currently sit 2.5 games back of the AL West lead but hold a half game advantage over the competition for the third Wild Card spot.

In the 44 games he has appeared in during the 2026 season, Seager is hitting .193 with eight home runs and 22 RBIs. While his numbers may not jump off the page, the Rangers are well aware of what Seager brings to the table. He has hit at least .270 the last three seasons with no less than 20 home runs and 50 RBI. He had 30+ home runs and 70+ RBIs in 2024 and 2023.

Because of how vital he is to their lineup, the Rangers are going to be cautious; especially coming off of injury. But when Texas is back in action on Tuesday, it seems likely Seager will be in the lineup.

The post Why Rangers’ Corey Seager is not in lineup Sunday vs. Guardians appeared first on ClutchPoints.