Rangers third baseman Josh Jung has been identified with a fractured proper wrist, the workforce instructed reporters (together with Kennedi Landry of MLB.com). Jung was faraway from this night’s sport towards the Rays within the ninth inning after he was hit on the wrist whereas swinging at a pitch. Inevitably, he shall be positioned on the injured checklist, however how a lot time he misses is determined by the severity of the harm. Jeff Wilson of Rangers In the present day suggests Jung may truly return sooner if he undergoes surgical procedure. Nevertheless, Wilson additionally notes that supervisor Bruce Bochy couldn’t present a timeline for the third baseman’s return.
Though this specific incident was largely unavoidable, Jung has begun to develop a fame as an injury-prone participant. He got here into spring coaching in 2021 with a stress fracture in his foot, whereas he suffered a torn labrum throughout the spring of 2022. He stayed wholesome by means of most of his rookie season in 2023, till a scorching liner off the bat of Jorge Soler broke his thumb in August. Most not too long ago, the 26-year-old missed time this spring with a calf pressure. Whereas a few of his accidents have been freak accidents, it’s laborious to not see a sample rising.
Jung was off to a sizzling begin in 2024, with seven hits (together with two house runs) in 19 plate appearances. Though 4 video games is a minuscule pattern measurement, he was working laborious to dispel any issues in regards to the dreaded sophomore stoop. He should hope his wrist harm doesn’t sap him of any power upon his return; energy is his most necessary device.
Fortunately for the Rangers, they’ve a pair of succesful third basemen on the bench in Ezequiel Duran and Josh Smith. Whereas neither is a risk on the plate like Jung, Duran is coming off a good breakout season (.768 OPS, 107 wRC+ in 122 video games), and Smith has put up spectacular defensive numbers over 61 MLB video games on the sizzling nook (12 DRS, 3 OAA). Smith has struggled on the plate so far in his large league profession, however his .233 profession batting common on balls in play and his .321 xwOBA final season (in comparison with a .287 wOBA) recommend that his luck is because of change.
To exchange Jung on the energetic roster, the Rangers may recall both Justin Foscue or Jonathan Ornelas from Triple-A. Ornelas, 23, performed eight video games for Texas final season, whereas Foscue, 25, has but to play within the main leagues. Alternatively, the Rangers may choose an infielder from off of the 40-man roster. Veteran Matt Duffy not too long ago signed a brand new minor league cope with the membership, whereas Jeff Wilson suggests 26-year-old minor league Davis Wendzel as an choice after his robust spring.
