Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker has consistently made it clear that he does not like establishing injury timetables because they are often inaccurate.

That approach explains why Schumaker has not announced a specific return date for shortstop Corey Seager, who is currently on the 10-day Injured List with his second lower back injury.

Schumaker did acknowledge Friday that the Rangers have placed Seager on a seven-day progression involving baseball activities. Sunday represented the third day of that process.

According to Kennedi Landry of MLB.com, Seager hit soft toss in a batting cage and fielded ground balls at shortstop Sunday.

That workload represented another step forward from Saturday, when he hit balls off a tee and completed a series of hitting progressions.

His activity Friday was much lighter and consisted only of straight-line running and throwing.

The gradual increase confirms that Seager is progressing, although he will not be activated today.

Depending on how his back responds to Sunday’s work and the trip back to Texas, the Rangers could increase his activity again.

Recovery remains the most important element of every stage.

The progression from tee work to soft toss illustrates how the Rangers are carefully testing Seager’s lower back.

Hitting from a tee allows him to control the intensity while evaluating how his back handles the rotational force of his swing.

After resting overnight, soft toss introduces a moving baseball and creates a more game-like challenge with a different type of torque.

Fielding ground balls at shortstop serves a similar purpose.

Instead of simply playing catch, Seager must move, field the ball, and throw across his body to first base.

That sequence places a different strain on his lower back.

Seager suffered his latest injury after pregame warmups and immediately before the game began. He never took an at-bat.

Batting practice could be the next step.

Seager could face pitches from a machine inside the cages at Globe Life Field, allowing the Rangers to control pitch type and location.

He could also participate in batting practice on the field, where additional variables would make the session more demanding.

A more strenuous infield workout would also represent a logical progression.

Based on how the Rangers have handled other rehabilitation assignments, Seager must complete several important steps before returning.

He needs to participate in a full-speed infield session, run the bases at full speed, throw at full strength, and take live batting practice, which is usually the final hurdle for a position player.

Once Seager completes those activities and recovers without complications, Texas can activate him.

That uncertainty is precisely why Schumaker avoids firm timelines, even though he understands how urgently the Rangers need their shortstop back.

Seager’s value extends beyond his offensive ability. His calm demeanor, disciplined preparation, and experience provide stability throughout the clubhouse.

He rarely appears rushed and consistently maintains the same composed approach regardless of the situation.

Defensively, his instincts, positioning, and smooth actions allow him to make difficult plays without unnecessary movement. At the plate, his balance, pitch recognition, and controlled aggression make him a constant threat.

He also brings credibility in high-pressure moments because of his postseason experience and ability to remain focused when expectations increase.

Those qualities make patience with his rehabilitation essential. The Rangers need Seager healthy enough to perform without restrictions, not merely available for a temporary return.

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