Wyatt Langford, Corey Seager take positive steps toward Rangers return

Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager celebrates in the dugout after scoring a run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Globe Life Field on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in Arlington. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News) ANAHEIM, Calif.

— The two hitters that were expected to carry the Rangers' offense took steps toward their respective returns before Friday's game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angels Stadium. Rangers shortstop Corey Seager ( lower back inflammation ) and left fielder Wyatt Langford ( right forearm strain ) both resumed some form of baseball activity before the series opener. Seager, sidelined since May 15 with a back injury, jogged, trained in the weight room and hit for the first time since he was placed on the injured list.

Langford, who was placed on the injured list exactly a month ago, both hit and threw. Seager, who was in a 0-for-27 hitless skid prior to his injury, is eligible to be activated for Monday's series opener vs. the Houston Astros at Globe Life Field.

Schumaker acknowledged that Seager will likely avoid a minor league rehab stint, but his exact progress will be determined by how his back responds to the first real day of stress since he was first sidelined. "It's definitely the goal," Seager said, "but we'll see where we're at. " Langford, who strained his forearm on a swing vs.