Rangers Can’t Afford Injury Limbo at Key Position for Stretch Run

The Texas Rangers called up Jonah Bride on Sunday because they needed some extra hands in the infield. It now looks like his stay will be extended.

The Rangers will be on the West Coast all week fighting to catch the Houston Astros in the AL West race. Seven games against the Los Angeles Angels and the Athletics afford them a chance to beat up on teams below them in the standings.

Texas is doing this without third baseman Josh Jung, who has been their best hitter this season. But he’s has been on the injured list since late July with a strained left calf. He's eligible to return when ready. But he isn't ready. In fact, the sense is that he's been essentially shut down.

Living Life Without Josh Jung

Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung runs the bases after a hit. — Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News (subscription required) reported a short update on Jung per manager Skip Schumaker. Jung is in a holding pattern when it comes to moving forward toward a return. Worse, he reported that Jung hasn’t done any baseball activities in more than a week.

That means no heading, no fielding and no base running. Is the definition of being shut down without officially being shut down. When young went on the injured list on July 25th the hope was that he would only need the minimum 10 days. It's now been close to 15.

He was slashing .294/.361/.441 with nine home runs and 35 RBI in 92 games. He suffered the injury while running the bases.

There are several steps that he'll need to clear before he can return. That would include at least one live batting practice session. Jung would also need a rehab assignment at this point.

This is the worst possible time for the Rangers to be without a hitter who has meant so much to their season. Without him, the Rangers have moved Ezequiel Duran to third base. With Bride on the roster, he can also play third base.

On Monday, Duran played left field as the Rangers moved Wyatt Langford to center field when the Angels started left-hander Reid Detmers and Texas benched center fielder Evan Carter. Bride ended up starting at third base. Texas should start Carter on Tuesday, shifting Langford back to left field and Duran back to third base.

Duran is a capable replacement and he’s having the best offensive season of his career. But with Jung on the field the Rangers are at full strength as it allows Duran to shift to second base.

For now, Duran and Bride will share duties at third base. Meanwhile, Texas will have to be patient as Jung works through his calf injury. The question is how much longer will they have to wait for Jung’s recovery to regain traction?

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