Dodgers: Update on Corey Seager’s timetable is frustrating

The Los Angeles Dodgers have won eight straight games after the Chicago Cubs threw a combined no-hitter against them back on June 25.

Eight’s a bunch.

Though Trevor Bauer’s disturbing assault allegations have consumed most of the headlines concerning the Dodgers, there’s something to be said about that distraction seemingly not impacting their performance night in and night out.

Since the Giants refuse to regress to the mean, the Dodgers, who’ve pulled to within just a half-game of the NL West lead, will need all hands on deck to leapfrog their rivals.

Unfortunately for the Dodgers, they might have to wait a couple more weeks for one of their cornerstone pieces to return to the lineup.

While addressing the media earlier this week, Dave Roberts noted that Corey Seager likely won’t return until after the All-Star Break.

Dave Roberts provided an update on Corey Seager’s injury rehab.

The Dodgers transferred Seager to the 60-day injured list this week, which proves his recovery process isn’t where the club expected it to be at this juncture. Here’s what Roberts had to say about the move and when fans could expect Seager back in the lineup.

"“It’s an acknowledgment that it’s going to be that long,” Roberts told reporters. “Certainly, when this happened this wasn’t our hope but kind of as it’s played out in the healing process, it’s where we’re at right now. … I can’t even guarantee that the first day after the second half, he’ll be back with us. But that’s our hope.”"

Well, those comments won’t instill much confidence in fans. After all, just a few weeks ago footage emerged of Seager fielding grounders at shortstop. At that point in his rehab, the 27-year-old superstar was also taking one-handed swings and progressed to two-handed hacks while hitting a tennis ball just a few days later.

The Dodgers have already played 82 games, meaning they’re more than halfway through their regular season schedule and Seager has appeared in just 37 of them. Despite the limited action, however, the two-time All-Star has been effective when healthy, slashing .265/.361/.422 with four home runs, 22 RBI, seven doubles and 20 runs scored.

Though LA’s lineup hasn’t skipped a beat without Seager — they currently rank third in runs scored, OBP and RBI, as well as sixth in home runs and OPS — the team just has a different swagger and feel to it when Seager is healthy and firing on all cylinders.

Even when Seager isn’t clicking, his mere presence in the middle of the lineup just means the other Dodgers’ hitters will get more pitches to hit.

This roster was obviously built to withstand injuries to key pieces, but Dodgers diehards will be hoping Seager avoids any further setbacks. If he does, and Roberts’ timetable is accurate, the reigning World Series MVP could be back in the fold not too long after the All-Star Break.

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