Betting Implications & Fantasy Fallout: Corey Seager’s Latest Injury

The Texas Rangers face a critical early-season hurdle with star shortstop Corey Seager once again sidelined. While his hot start had fans and bettors buzzing, this latest stint on the injured list (IL) brings a dose of déjà vu—and plenty of implications for betting markets and fantasy managers alike.

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Corey Seager Injury Update: What We Know

Stop us if you’ve heard this one before: Corey Seager is back on the IL. This time, it’s a hamstring strain, and while the Rangers have initially placed his return around May 26, history suggests a longer absence may be more realistic.

Seager was delivering exactly what Texas paid for, slashing .300/.367/.500 with 6 home runs and 12 RBIs across just 26 games. But at 31 years old, injuries remain a persistent obstacle. This isn’t the first time he’s struggled with hamstring issues, and unfortunately, it likely won’t be the last.

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Betting Takeaway: How Seager’s Absence Affects Rangers Odds

With Seager out, sportsbooks are already adjusting. Texas’s World Series futures odds have lengthened slightly, and game-to-game moneylines may begin to tilt against the Rangers more frequently, especially in matchups against elite pitching.

Key Betting Impacts:

• Team Totals (Under): Without Seager, a consistent offensive spark is gone. Consider betting Under on Rangers team totals, especially against right-handed starters.

• Opposition Run Lines: Seager’s absence may affect Texas’s run production and middle-infield defense. That could be an edge for bettors backing opponents -1.5 on the run line.

• AL West Futures: The Rangers’ divisional odds could start to drift, offering potential midseason value if Seager returns strong later. Keep an eye on Houston and Seattle climbing.

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Next Man Up: Ezekiel Duran & Josh Smith

While Ezekiel Duran and Josh Smith are next in line to fill the gap, neither offers Seager’s level of production or reliability. Both are serviceable plug-ins but likely represent a downgrade on both sides of the ball.

This opens a potential edge for savvy bettors who monitor performance dips over the next two weeks. Watch for opponent strikeout props or pitcher outs recorded props when facing a weakened Rangers lineup.

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Fantasy Implications: Who Can Replace Seager?

Fantasy managers are once again scrambling. Seager’s injury history is well-known, yet he continues to be drafted as if he’ll play 150+ games. Those who rostered him are now left scouring a thin shortstop waiver wire.

Possible replacements:

• Javier Báez (still widely available, despite inconsistency)

• Chase Meidroth (deep-league upside)

• Trey Sweeney or Brooks Lee (stash-and-wait prospects)

• Marcelo Mayer (worth speculative adds in case of a Boston call-up)

If you’re in win-now mode, trading for a healthy shortstop may be necessary. But don’t expect Seager to stay healthy once he returns either—this won’t be his last IL trip in 2025.

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Final Thoughts: The Cost of Drafting Seager

Seager’s injury risk is well-known, but it never seems to fully factor into his Average Draft Position (ADP). Year after year, fantasy players treat him like a 162-game ironman. Reality says otherwise.

If you’re a bettor, now’s the time to fade the Rangers short-term, particularly in offensive categories. If you’re a fantasy manager, prepare for multiple contingency plans. In both cases, one truth remains:

Drafting Seager means gambling with durability. This is the risk you accept—unfortunately, it’s showing up earlier than anyone hoped.

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