Texas Rangers Slugging Reinforcements Coming After Lost Weekend

After a lost weekend at the Cleveland Guardians, the Texas Rangers may have reinforcements on the way.

Third baseman Josh Jung is returning to Texas after three days at the Rangers’ Spring Training Complex in Surprise, Ariz. Adolis García was with the Rangers in Cleveland and returned with the team on Sunday evening.

There is potential for both to be activated as the Rangers (82-67) prepare for their final homestand, which includes three games with the Boston Red Sox starting Monday and three critical games with the Seattle Mariners at the end of the week.

Jung suffered a fractured left thumb in early August that required surgery. For the past few weeks Jung, has ramped up his baseball activities at Globe Life Field. On Thursday he headed to Arizona to meet with his thumb specialist with the hope that he would get the all-clear to be a full participant.

He did, and for the past three days he’s been taking full batting and fielding practice in Surprise.

Earlier in the road trip, Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said there was a chance the Rangers could activate Jung sometime during the homestand, perhaps as early as Monday. The fact that he’s heading back to Texas is a good sign. Bochy also told reporters in Cleveland on Sunday that Jung had a “really good day” on Saturday.

“Lot of improvements from the day before as far as comfort, seeing the ball, hard contact,” Bochy said.

Along with batting practice, he played three innings in a simulated game.

The Rangers will likely want to see him take batting and fielding practice in person on Monday, along with another exam, before considering if he’s ready.

But the Rangers certainly want his bat back in the lineup.

Jung, who has been batting mostly fifth all season, played his way into a starting role on the AL All-Star team. He was slashing .274/.323/.489/.812 with 22 home runs and 67 RBI. He’s also emerged as an above-average defensive third baseman.

As for García, he injured the right patella tendon in his knee while chasing a fly ball against the Houston Astros. He dodged a significant injury, with no tear. He is on the injured list with a strain and is allowed to return on Monday.

He spent the Toronto leg of the road trip in Arlington ramping up his baseball activities. He joined the team in Cleveland to continue working with team trainers and coaches.

The Rangers haven’t ruled out García returning during this week’s homestand. He would likely return with no rehab assignment, as Rangers affiliates shut down the regular season on Sept. 24.

He was slashing .244/.322/.494/.816 with a career-high 34 home runs and 100 RBI before the injury. The Rangers called up their No. 1 prospect, Evan Carter, to help in the outfield during García’s absence.

You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.

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