Seager out of lineup for 2nd straight day after waking with minor back spasms

HOUSTON -- Corey Seager is out of the Rangers’ lineup for the second day in a row on Saturday as the club continues its three-game series against the Astros this weekend.

• Seager left out of lineup vs. Astros amid career-worst slump

Friday was a scheduled day off for Seager as he endured a career-worst 0-for-27 skid. He was originally meant to play on Saturday, but woke up with “minor back spasms." He’ll be down for Game 2 against the Astros and will be re-evaluated ahead of the series finale on Sunday.

“He wanted to see if he could loosen up when he got here,” said Rangers manager Skip Schumaker. “It just didn't really loosen up, so we wanted to play it smart and not push him. We'll see what happens, but I've had back spasms before. One day it's great, and then a couple days later you still have them. Backs are finicky. … I don't have a ton of concern. You never want to hear about anything with your superstar player. But I’m fairly confident that he'll be back soon.”

Before Friday’s day off, Seager was mired in a seven-game hitless stretch. He is now slashing .179/.286/.353 on the season.

“Maybe a couple days [off] is not a terrible thing,” Schumaker said. “We know we've given a couple days off to multiple guys and they’ve come back pretty hot, so maybe a blessing in disguise.”