The Texas Rangers are once again dealing with injury concerns after one of their most important offensive players was forced to leave Saturday’s game early. Third baseman Josh Jung exited in the third inning because of soreness in his left shoulder, creating immediate concern for a team already battling multiple injuries throughout the season.
According to the Rangers, Jung appeared to hurt the shoulder while diving for a ball at third base. The play immediately raised alarms because the infielder has a history of shoulder issues, including surgery several years ago to repair a torn labrum in the same shoulder. Despite the scare, both Jung and manager Skip Schumaker suggested after the game that the decision to remove him was mostly precautionary.
Schumaker explained that the discomfort happened during the diving play and that the medical staff would evaluate the situation further. The manager did not appear overly concerned but acknowledged the team wanted doctors to examine Jung before determining the severity of the issue.
Jung also tried to remain optimistic while speaking about the injury afterward. He admitted the pain caught him off guard because he had not experienced discomfort in that shoulder since recovering from surgery four years ago. While the sensation worried him initially, he indicated that the Rangers were likely being careful rather than reacting to a major setback.
Even so, the situation is troubling for Texas because Jung has become one of the team’s most reliable and productive hitters this season. With injuries already sidelining shortstop Corey Seager and outfielder Wyatt Langford, the Rangers can hardly afford another key offensive loss. The club has struggled for consistency at the plate throughout the year, making Jung’s presence in the lineup especially valuable.
Through 48 games this season, Jung has been one of the Rangers’ best hitters. He is batting .302 with a .357 on-base percentage and a .462 slugging percentage while contributing five home runs and 21 RBIs. His strong play has also put him in serious consideration for a spot in this year’s MLB All-Star Game, which will take place in Philadelphia in July.
Beyond the numbers, Jung has shown noticeable growth at the plate. Rather than relying strictly on pull power, he has developed into a more complete hitter capable of using all fields effectively. That adjustment has helped make him one of the most dependable bats in the Rangers lineup.
Injuries, however, have followed Jung throughout much of his professional career. Earlier this year, he missed time during spring training because of a right adductor strain. After a slow start offensively in March, he quickly turned things around and became one of Texas’ hottest hitters during April.
Despite his injury history, Jung has remained relatively healthy during the regular season, missing only five games and none because of injury before Saturday’s scare. If the Rangers decide to rest him for the series finale against the Los Angeles Angels, they do have temporary defensive options available.
After Jung exited Saturday’s game, Ezequiel Duran shifted to third base while Michael Helman took over at shortstop. Texas could use the same alignment again Sunday if the club chooses to give Jung additional recovery time before beginning a seven-game homestand Monday against the Houston Astros.
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