Corey Seager’s NLCS absence shouldn’t rock Dodgers’ boat
The Los Angeles Dodgers scratched Corey Seager from the entire NLCS due to a back injury but the team has had time to adjust.
Corey Seager is out for the entire National League Championship Series after a back injury sustained during the NLDS against the Arizona Diamondbacks. With four days to get ready for the seven game series against the Cubs, the Dodgers have had time to work around Seager’s absence.
Manager Dave Roberts held Seager out of three workouts over their four day rest between series after Seager experienced some back soreness following a bad slide in the NLDS. Seager received treatment for the “muscular issue” during the four day rest in hopes of getting back into the lineup.
Despite stating that he was “very optimistic” that Seager would make the lineup in Game 1, it’s more than likely that the Dodgers have already been getting used to the idea of facing off against the Chicago Cubs without him. Roberts announced that Charlie Culberson will take Seager’s spot in the lineup.
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Seager has seen the plate 11 times in the postseason for a .273 average and 2 RBI. More than anything his presence will be missed at shortstop where he has been responsible for several key plays in the NLDS, and there’s no question his glove would have been helpful against the Cubs. Culberson hasn’t seen any action in the postseason yet.
He has 13 plate appearances in 2017 for a .154 with 1 RBI. Culberson is no Seager, but hopefully he’s had time to adjust to the move over the past few days so that the infield comes into Game 1 as the well-oiled machine we’re used to seeing.
Seager is no stranger to injury this season. He was out in September with an elbow issue that still gives him trouble every time he throws the ball. Though taking the NLCS off might give him the time he needs to recuperate, there’s also a chance he might not be available to play in the World Series should the Dodgers win the NLCS.
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Game 1 of the NLCS against the Dodgers takes place October 14 at 8pm ET on TBS.