Rookie Josh Jung 'Great' on Texas Rangers Homestand
Going 4-2 on the first homestand of 2023 was certainly a team effort for the Texas Rangers. A few solid starts, a phenomenal performance from an MLB-leading bullpen and several players coming up with big hits.
But as much as the opening run at Globe Life Field was about getting a first look at Jacob deGrom along with the Rangers’ established stars, a rookie carried his weight and more.
Third baseman Josh Jung looks comfortable and confident through six games. He’s hitting .318 with two home runs, including the go-ahead shot in Wednesday’s 5-2 win to salvage the series finale against the Baltimore Orioles.
“That was a huge home run,” Texas manager Bruce Bochy said. “They come back and tie it, and he puts us ahead. A great homestand for him and a good one for us, too. We lose two there and bounce back to win this one and have a 4-2 homestand.”
The 25-year-old former first-round pick from Texas Tech is proving he belongs in a Rangers infield that features franchise pillars in shortstop Corey Seager and second baseman Marcus Semien.
Jung also drove in Adolis García with a single in the two-run first inning and made a nice barehanded defensive play on a slow roller from Austin Hays in the third.
“We expect that,” Semien said. “He works so hard on both ends of the ball. I’m fortunate enough to watch him work every day, so I’m not surprised that he’s been doing it.
“He got a breaking ball and hit a home run off of it. I’ve seen him work on that every day. His defense is very underrated. He’s got great instincts. He’s just a really good baseball player.”
Jung and the Rangers hit the road for the first time Friday to start a three-game series at the Chicago Cubs.
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