Rangers’ Josh Jung Undergoes Wrist Surgery, Likely Out 8-10 Weeks
Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung will likely be out of commission longer than his initial diagnosis suggested.
The 26-year-old infielder suffered a fractured right wrist after being hit in Monday’s series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays, which required surgery, as X-rays later revealed. Originally, he was only supposed to miss roughly six weeks after his procedure.
Jung underwent successful surgery to repair his broken wrist on Tuesday, as per the club’s announcement. But his injury was more significant than previously anticipated and is now expected to keep him sidelined for 8-10 weeks, according to Rangers GM Chris Young.
The Rangers will be without their everyday third baseman – who finished fourth in American League Rookie of the Year voting and was an All-Star last season – for at least two months. He should be able to return well before this summer’s All-Star break in July.
Texas is expected to rotate multiple players through the hot corner in Jung’s absence, including Ezequiel Duran – who drew the nod Wednesday – and Josh H. Smith.
Needing to fill his spot on the active roster, the club promoted infielder Justin Foscue, the organization’s No. 5 top prospect per MLB Pipeline. He could also fill in at third but will likely spend most of his time sharing duties at first with Jared Walsh.
The 25-year-old, a 14th-overall selection in 2020, hit .266/.394/.468 with 18 home runs and 84 RBIs in 122 games at Triple-A in ‘23. He went 3-for-13 (.231) in three games at that level to start this season, driving in two and walking twice.
Given Jung’s expected recovery timeline, the Rangers can seamlessly transfer him to the 60-day IL anytime a spot on the 40-man roster is needed.
The injury occurred in the ninth inning of Monday’s 9-3 blowout victory, as Jung was hit on the wrist by an inside sinker from Rays right-hander Phil Maton while attempting to check his swing. Home plate umpire Roberto Ortiz ruled he went around, causing the at-bat to continue.
After being examined by team trainers, Jung left the game and was replaced by Smith, who ultimately earned a walk after assuming a 2-2 count.
Injuries have been a major concern for the Rangers thus far, with Jacob deGrom and Tyler Mahle still recovering from Tommy John surgeries. They’re also without Max Scherzer (back) and Nathaniel Lowe (oblique).
The reigning World Series champions will have their work cut out for them as they attempt to replace Jung’s production, which included 23 home runs and 70 RBIs over 122 games a season ago. He also slashed .266/.315/.467 while posting a 110 wRC+, worth 2.5 fWAR.
Jung compiled 1,050 innings at third base, committing just four errors while breaking even in Defensive Runs Saved and registering +6 Outs Above Average, which ranked in the 91st percentile of the majors.
In four games this season, the right-handed hitter owns two home runs, six RBIs and a .412/.474/.941 slash line.
-Thomas Hall
Twitter: @Hall_Thomas_
Photo: Dave Herholz. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.