Corey Seager sat out his second straight game against the Houston Astros on Saturday after waking up with back spasms, another blow for a Texas Rangers lineup that desperately needs its All-Star shortstop. Manager Skip Schumaker had kept Seager out Friday night in a 2-0 loss, but at the time that was a scheduled off day. Saturday marked the first time Seager reported any back discomfort.

Schumaker said Seager tried to loosen up when he arrived at the ballpark but the spasms didn't budge. Playing it smart took priority over forcing a player who's already mired in a 0-for-27 slump into action. The 32-year-old is batting .179 with seven homers and 19 RBI through 42 games, his worst offensive stretch in years.

The two-day absence compounds what's been a miserable stretch for the shortstop, who entered the season as one of the league's most productive bats. Schumacher's cautious approach reflects both the physical toll and the mounting pressure on a lineup that can't afford to lose its centerpiece against division rival Houston.