Rangers News: Minor Corey Seager update, hope for Jakob Junis, Sebastian Walcott's transformation

The Texas Rangers got shelled by the Atlanta Braves last night, starting the second half of the season in the worst way possible. The good feelings from the run heading into the All-Star break were dampened in a flash. A few things became clear: the team is currently lacking in both the lineup and the bullpen when facing high-end competition.

However, we might not be far off from some reinforcements coming back to help elevate both units. More work will need to be done before the August 3 deadline, but getting some key injured pieces is critical. Injury updates make up the first part of our news roundup, but the most exciting nugget is one that is a bit far off, but has the future looking very bright.

Corey Seager took to the first step towards a return to the Rangers

Prior to the game last night, Corey Seager took his first step towards returning to the lineup after beginning his third IL stint on July 1. Texas's star shortstop did some running and throwing on the field yesterday in Atlanta ahead of last week's game.

There's no word yet on what the next steps are, but one has to imagine he'll need to clear taking some dry swings and batting practice to ensure that his back can hold up when it comes to the stress hitting will put on it, and then a short rehab assignment to regain his timing will be in the cards. His return could come sooner than you think, though we'll have to see.

For all intents and purposes, the Rangers have been without Seager all season. While he has played 51 games this season, his dismal .182/.292/.374 line makes it clear that the player whom Texas felt comfortable giving a 10-year, $325 million contract to all those years ago has been missing in action.

Getting Seager healthy and returning to his previous form has to be the Rangers' top priority for the second half. Injecting that kind of bat into an offense that currently ranks 26th in runs scored with 400 will be more impactful than any acquisition that Chris Young can make at the trade deadline.

Jakob Junis could return to the Rangers as early as today

There's no official word yet, but it appears that Jakob Junis could be activated from the IL as early as today. Per Evan Grant, Junis was in the clubhouse last night after the game, fueling hope that he's recovered from the right hip impingement that has had him laid up for the last few weeks.

In his absence, the bullpen has looked like a house of cards ready to fall at any moment while relying on a whopping five rookies alongside Jacob Latz, Tyler Alexander, and Cole Winn. The vulnerabilities of those rookies were on display as Emiliano Teodo and Gavin Collyer combined to allow six earned runs as things further spiraled out of control last night. If Junis is activated, it's likely that Teodo is the one who gets sent down to clear a spot.

Junis's return wouldn't solve all of the bullpen needs, but it would be a huge boost. Young still should have another right-handed high-leverage reliever high on his trade deadline shopping list.

Rangers top prospect Sebastian Walcott might have just leveled up

Sebastian Walcott wasn't expected to do much of anything this season after suffering a torn UCL back in February, making it a shock to see him suiting up in mid-July. After a two-game tune-up in the Arizona Complex League, Walcott is back in Frisco, ready to terrorize Double-A pitching.

He made his season debut with the RoughRiders yesterday, going 0-for-3 but drawing two walks and swiping a base. The real news, though, was the revelation that he's put on 17 pounds of muscle while rehabbing from his injury, which helped him hit a ball 118 miles per hour in batting practice while rehabbing. That's the highest exit velocity he's ever posted.

Walcott is the No. 10 prospect in the game, per MLB Pipeline. The top two spots on the Top-100 list belong to Milwaukee Brewers prospect Jesus Made (No. 1) and Athletics prospect Leo De Vries (No. 2). It's worth noting that last season, Walcott outranked both of them. Those who have forgotten about him are going to be swiftly reminded of what kind of talent he possesses.

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