Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager has been sent for an MRI after missing his third consecutive game Sunday against the Houston Astros due to back spasms, according to CBS Sports. The imaging exam comes after what the club initially characterized as a minor issue failed to resolve with rest.
Seager was first removed from the lineup Friday and sat again Saturday before Sunday’s absence prompted the Rangers to escalate the diagnostic process. The 31-year-old signed a 10-year, $325 million contract before the 2022 season and has been the franchise’s cornerstone since arriving from the Los Angeles Dodgers.
What the MRI Means for Seager’s Timeline
The decision to order imaging signals the Rangers are no longer treating this as a routine day-to-day ailment. Back spasms can range from a 48-hour inconvenience to something that lingers for weeks, and the MRI will determine whether there is structural involvement beyond muscle tightness. Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com first reported the MRI was scheduled, noting the condition had persisted long enough to warrant a closer look.
Corey Seager has dealt with back issues before during his career, including during his 2023 campaign when he missed time with a similar complaint. The Rangers’ medical staff will be hoping the results show nothing more than inflammation, but the three-day absence before imaging suggests genuine concern in the clubhouse.
How Texas Adjusts Without Its Shortstop
Ezequiel Duran has started at shortstop in Seager‘s absence and picked up a second consecutive start Sunday. Duran, a utility infielder by trade, offers defensive versatility but cannot replicate Seager’s offensive production. The Rangers’ lineup loses significant punch without the switch-hitting shortstop, who had already drilled seven home runs this season before the injury sidelined him.
Looking at the numbers, Seager’s absence creates a measurable hole. His career 134 OPS+ ranks among the best for active shortstops, and Texas has built its lineup architecture around his presence in the top third of the order. Manager Bruce Bochy has limited options to fill that production gap, particularly against right-handed pitching where Seager’s platoon splits have historically favored the left side.
Key Developments
- Seager missed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday’s games against the Astros before the MRI was ordered, marking the first time this season he has sat three straight contests.
- Ezequiel Duran has started at shortstop in consecutive games and could see extended playing time depending on the MRI results.
- Seager had hit seven home runs in the 2026 season before the back spasms forced him from the lineup.
- The Rangers initially classified the back spasms as minor, but the persistence of symptoms over 72 hours prompted the escalation to medical imaging.
Why This Matters for the Rangers’ Season
Texas entered 2026 with expectations of contending in the AL West, and Seager’s health is central to that equation. The Rangers’ front office committed $325 million to the shortstop precisely because his bat anchors the lineup and his defense stabilizes the infield. Losing him for any extended stretch would force Bochy to reshuffle the batting order and lean more heavily on players like Marcus Semien and Adolis Garcia to carry the offensive load.
The counterargument is that the Rangers have survived Seager absences before and still field a competitive roster. But the margin for error in the AL West is thin, and every game without their best player matters in a division where the Astros and Mariners are both expected to be in the hunt. The MRI results, expected within 24 to 48 hours, will dictate whether this becomes a footnote or a storyline that defines Texas’ first half.
Fantasy baseball managers should monitor the situation closely. Seager is a top-tier shortstop asset in virtually any format, and even a two-week absence would significantly impact rosters that lack depth at the position. Duran is not a viable fantasy replacement, making this a situation where patience is the only realistic strategy.
Why is Corey Seager getting an MRI?
Corey Seager is undergoing an MRI after back spasms kept him out of the Rangers’ lineup for three consecutive games against the Astros. The club initially considered the issue minor, but the symptoms persisted long enough to warrant medical imaging to rule out structural damage.
Who replaces Corey Seager at shortstop for the Rangers?
Ezequiel Duran has started at shortstop in Seager’s absence and picked up consecutive starts. Duran is a utility infielder who provides defensive flexibility but does not match Seager’s offensive production.
How many home runs did Corey Seager have before the injury?
Seager had hit seven home runs in the 2026 season before back spasms forced him out of the lineup. He had been one of the Rangers’ most productive hitters in the early going.
Has Corey Seager dealt with back problems before?
Yes. Seager has a history of back issues during his career, including a stint on the injured list in 2023 related to a similar complaint. The recurrence raises questions about whether this is a chronic vulnerability for the shortstop.
What is Corey Seager’s contract with the Texas Rangers?
Seager signed a 10-year, $325 million contract with the Rangers before the 2022 season after winning a World Series MVP with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The deal runs through the 2031 season and makes him the highest-paid player in franchise history.
