Surgery Complete for Texas Rangers Third Baseman Josh Jung
Texas Rangers All-Star third baseman Josh Jung underwent successful surgery for his fractured left thumb on Wednesday, per multiple reports.
The surgery, performed by Dr. Don Sheridan, a hand specialist, required a plate and screws to stabilize the fracture.
Jung will remain with the Rangers while he rehabs the injury. The team hopes that Jung can be ready sometime before the end of the regular season.
Jung suffered the fracture on Sunday against Miami when a line drive traveling nearly 110 mph hit the thumb part of his glove. Shortly after that, he met with team trainers and left the game. X-rays revealed the fracture before the game concluded.
The Rangers have started Ezequiel Duran at third base twice and Josh Smith once during their three-game series with Oakland, which concluded with a 2-0 loss Wednesday. The Rangers also called up infielder Jonathan Ornelas from Triple-A Round Rock.
Jung, who has been batting fifth all season, played his way into a starting role on the American League 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.
Injuries are something Jung has had to deal with in his pro career. Jung underwent surgery to repair a stress fracture in his foot and miss six to eight weeks at the start of the 2021 season.
Last season Jung underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, but he returned to be a September call-up for the Rangers.
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