Although the Texas Rangers (32-35) cannot afford to overlook the Los Angeles Dodgers (42-27) in Thursday night’s rubber match, they are gearing up for a pivotal series against the American League West-leading Seattle Mariners. Consequently, manager Bruce Bochy is being careful in LA.

Corey Seager, who enjoyed a notable return to Dodger Stadium on Wednesday, is not playing for the Rangers after just recovering from a hamstring strain. The team’s future Hall of Fame manager is explaining the reason for the absence.

“Bruce Bochy said they’re ‘being cautious’ with Corey Seager,” MLB.com’s Kennedi Landry reported on X. “He had a bit of tightness while getting ready today and they want him to be a full go in Seattle. Bochy said he’ll likely be back out there tomorrow against the Mariners.”

Given the four-time All-Star shortstop’s medical history, the reluctance to slot him in the lineup, even in a designated hitter capacity, makes sense. Enduring this type of dilemma is particularly stressful when the athlete in question is earning $325 million, but a healthy Seager is a vital part of the Rangers’ big-picture outlook for the 2024 season.

If he cannot shake this nagging hamstring issue that has hampered him throughout his career, then the Rangers are unlikely to climb their way back up the league and division standings. Since the two-time World Series MVP misses a chunk of time almost every season, Bochy knows how important it is for him to pick his spots when giving him a day off.

Clearly, he views this upcoming face-off in T-Mobile Park as a potential turning point in the year.