Texas Rangers Third Baseman Josh Jung to Undergo Surgery for Fractured Thumb
Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung will undergo surgery on his fractured left thumb, according to manager Bruce Bochy. The injury occurred during Sunday’s 6-0 win over the Miami Marlins. Jung, who is 25 years old, is expected to be out for approximately six weeks.
Jung has been a standout player for the Rangers this season, hitting 22 home runs in 109 games. He is also considered a leading candidate for the American League Rookie of the Year award. However, his path to the big leagues has been plagued by previous injuries, including a torn labrum and a stress fracture in his foot.
This latest setback is a disappointment for Jung, who had finally been able to showcase his talent and contribute to the team. He has been hitting .274/.323/.489 with 67 RBI and has been exceptional defensively at third base. There was even speculation that he could challenge Gunnar Henderson for the AL Rookie of the Year honors.
Unfortunately, Jung will likely miss the majority of the remaining regular season due to the recovery time required for a fracture surgery. While there may be some flexibility towards the end of the season, the Rangers will need to find a way to overcome yet another injury.
With All-Stars Nathan Eovaldi and Jonah Heim currently on the injured list with uncertain return times, and Corey Seager still not fully recovered from a thumb injury, the Rangers are facing multiple challenges. Additionally, Jacob deGrom’s Tommy John surgery will keep him out until at least the middle of the 2024 season.
In the meantime, the Rangers have called up Jonathan Ornelas, a defense-first player, to fill in at third base. Ezequiel Durán will likely take over as the starting third baseman, with Ornelas serving in a utility role. This arrangement will remain in place unless there is a significant change in performance or another injury occurs.
As the Rangers navigate through these injuries, it will be crucial for the team to find ways to compensate for the absence of key players. The depth of the roster will be tested, and other players will need to step up to fill the void left by Jung’s absence.
In conclusion, Josh Jung’s upcoming surgery for a fractured thumb is a setback for both him and the Texas Rangers. Despite his impressive performance this season, injuries have plagued his journey to the big leagues. The Rangers will need to rely on their depth and the contributions of other players to overcome this latest challenge. It remains to be seen how the team will fare without Jung, but they will undoubtedly give their best effort to continue competing at a high level.