Texas Rangers veteran catcher Danny Jansen tested his recovery by handling a full bullpen session and throwing to bases.
Saturday represented an important step forward for two injured Texas Rangers players, including catcher Danny Jansen.
Jansen was behind the plate catching Jack Leiter as the injured right-hander threw his second live batting practice session while recovering from right ankle surgery in June.
However, the workout carried just as much significance for Jansen, who has been on the Injured List since June 6 while recovering from a right forearm strain.
Jansen caught all 33 of Leiter’s pitches during the session.
He also threw to bases for the second time since beginning his recovery process. Afterward, Jansen briefly stopped in the dugout to speak with reporters and indicated the session went well and that his rehabilitation continues moving in the right direction.
Jansen has not yet participated in a complete live batting practice session similar to the one Corey Seager completed before returning from his back injury.
That likely represents the final significant step before Jansen can begin a rehab assignment.
The veteran catcher is in the first season of a two-year contract with Texas and is one of only two veteran catchers currently under contract for 2027.
The other is Logan O’Hoppe, whom the Rangers acquired from the Los Angeles Angels before the trade deadline. O’Hoppe is currently playing for Triple-A Round Rock.
Before suffering the injury, Jansen received the majority of Texas’ starts behind the plate while working in tandem with Kyle Higashioka.
Jansen slashed .171/.277/.309 with three home runs and 12 RBIs in 41 games.
He remains on the Injured List with a flexor tendon injury in his right arm.
Solutions Rangers attempted
Texas turned to free agency to address its catching situation and found two capable replacements.
The Rangers signed former Kansas City Royals catcher Elias Díaz in June, and he has since emerged as the primary option behind the plate.
Díaz is hitting .245/.270/.391 with three home runs and 14 RBIs in 43 games.
After Higashioka suffered an injury, Texas added another veteran in Austin Wynns, whom the organization signed to a minor league contract in June.
Wynns is playing for his third team this season and has produced a .263/.300/.421 slash line with a home run and an RBI in nine games with the Rangers.
Jansen’s value
Jansen provides more than offensive production. Catching requires communication, preparation and the ability to manage a pitching staff, and his experience provides Texas with an established presence behind the plate.
His familiarity with the Rangers’ pitchers is another important quality as he works toward returning. A catcher must understand individual preferences, recognize adjustments during games and maintain trust with pitchers in difficult situations.
Jansen has also demonstrated patience throughout a lengthy rehabilitation process. Catching Leiter’s entire session and throwing to bases represent meaningful tests for an injured throwing arm.
With several catchers competing for opportunities, Jansen will not simply return to the same situation he left.
His experience, defensive responsibilities and ability to work with the pitching staff could nevertheless make him an important part of Texas’ catching plans once he returns. And help the team compete in the most important stretch of the season.
