Jake Burger left the Texas Rangers’ loss to the Los Angeles Angels after being hit on the left wrist, though initial X-rays were negative.
The Texas Rangers could be without one of their most productive hitters if Jake Burger’s left wrist injury lingers.
Burger exited Saturday’s 3-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels after being hit by a pitch in the third inning, suffering a left wrist contusion. The first baseman was struck in the forearm and wrist area by a 95.1 mph sinker from Angels pitcher Ryan Johnson.
Burger immediately went down in pain as Rangers manager Skip Schumaker and a trainer checked on him. Despite the discomfort, he remained in the game and was able to run the bases before taking his position at first base for the fourth inning.
The Rangers ultimately removed Burger before the fifth inning, with Nicky Lopez taking over at first base.
Initial X-rays did not reveal a fracture, providing some positive news for Texas. However, Burger is expected to undergo additional testing to determine the full extent of the injury.
The location of the injury is particularly notable because Burger underwent offseason surgery on the same wrist. That procedure involved a tendon and its surrounding sheath rather than the bone, meaning the Rangers will likely be cautious while evaluating whether he can return to the lineup.
Burger has been a major part of Texas’ offense throughout the 2026 season. He leads the Rangers with 73 RBIs, a total that ranks 12th in the American League. His 21 home runs are second on the club behind Joc Pederson, while his 52 runs scored are also tied for second on the team.
His durability has been another important factor. Burger has played in 123 of Texas’ 130 games this season, making his departure Saturday particularly noteworthy.
The first baseman was able to test his wrist after returning to the field for the fourth inning, but the swelling and limited range of motion made it difficult to continue. Rather than risk aggravating the injury, the Rangers decided to remove him from the game.
Burger is hopeful that rest will allow the swelling to subside quickly. He indicated that his range of motion had already begun improving after leaving the game, an encouraging sign as Texas evaluates his status.
The Rangers will likely have a better understanding of Burger’s availability after additional examinations. If the injury proves to be nothing more than a contusion, he could avoid a lengthy absence.
For now, however, Texas will have to wait and see how Burger’s wrist responds overnight. With the first baseman playing a significant role in the middle of the lineup, his status could become an important storyline for the Rangers moving forward.
