Two key pieces took a big step toward their returns to the Rangers’ lineup on Tuesday.
Shortstop Corey Seager (lower back inflammation) and outfielder Wyatt Langford (Grade 1 right flexor strain) both made rehab appearances in Double-A Frisco’s game against Springfield on Tuesday at Riders Field.
Seager, who was placed on the injured list on May 18 after suffering back spasms, began his rehab assignment by playing three innings for the RoughRiders and going 1-for-2. After grounding into a double play in the first inning, he scorched a ground-ball single up the middle with two outs in the third.
Langford had already played two rehab games for Triple-A Round Rock, going 0-for-5 with two walks on Saturday and Sunday in Oklahoma City, before his rehab assignment was transferred to Frisco. He batted third on Tuesday, one spot behind Seager, and went 1-for-2, reaching base in his first three plate appearances.
In the first inning, Langford grounded a single up the middle, then stole second base without a throw. He walked to load the bases in the third inning and drew another free pass to lead off the bottom of the fifth, scoring on a fielding error at second base, before striking out swinging in the seventh.
Langford is expected to return at the start of the Rangers’ upcoming home series against the Guardians, which begins Friday at Globe Life Field, and Seager could be back before much longer. While neither has performed great offensively -- Langford had a .636 OPS before landing on the IL on April 22, and Seager has a career-low .638 OPS -- both should give a Rangers team coming off four straight wins an added boost.