[ad_1]
Rangers third baseman Josh Jung has been identified with a fractured proper wrist, the crew 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 might be positioned on the injured checklist, however how a lot time he misses depends upon the severity of the harm. Jeff Wilson of Rangers Today suggests Jung may really return sooner if he undergoes surgical procedure. Nonetheless, Wilson also notes that supervisor Bruce Bochy couldn’t present a timeline for the third baseman’s return.
Though this explicit incident was largely unavoidable, Jung has begun to develop a popularity 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 through the spring of 2022. He stayed wholesome via most of his rookie season in 2023, till a scorching liner off the bat of Jorge Soler broke his thumb in August. Most lately, the 26-year-old missed time this spring with a calf pressure. Whereas a few of his accidents have been freak accidents, it’s onerous to not see a sample rising.
Jung was off to a scorching begin in 2024, with seven hits (together with two residence runs) in 19 plate appearances. Though 4 video games is a minuscule pattern measurement, he was working onerous to dispel any considerations in regards to the dreaded sophomore hunch. He should hope his wrist harm doesn’t sap him of any power upon his return; energy is his most vital software.
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 menace 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 scorching nook (12 DRS, 3 OAA). Smith has struggled on the plate to date in his huge league profession, however his .233 profession batting common on balls in play and his .321 xwOBA final season (in comparison with a .287 wOBA) counsel that his luck is because of change.
To exchange Jung on the lively 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 lately signed a brand new minor league take care of the membership, whereas Jeff Wilson suggests 26-year-old minor league Davis Wendzel as an choice after his robust spring.
[ad_2]
Source link
