Star third baseman Josh Jung eyes a rapid return to solidify the Texas Rangers lineup as the team fights for a postseason spot.
Josh Jung has reached the final stage of his recovery process, putting the Texas Rangers closer to getting one of their most important hitters back for the stretch run.
The third baseman began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Round Rock on Tuesday, one day after participating in live batting practice in Frisco.
Jung worked out there because the Rangers were already on the road for a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners.
His participation Tuesday indicated that he came through the live batting practice session without a setback.
Round Rock is currently in Salt Lake City for a week-long series against the Bees.
Jung served as the designated hitter, batted second and played the entire game.
He finished 2-for-5 with an RBI.
What’s next for Jung?
The rehab assignment represents the last major hurdle before Jung can return to Texas, provided the Rangers are satisfied with how his calf responds.
He has been on the Injured List since July 25 because of a strained left calf.
His recovery progressed more slowly than initially expected, but Jung increased his workload during the previous homestand.
He participated in baseball activities, ran several times and eventually completed a full basepath session last weekend.
Texas wanted him to prove he could run without pain before advancing to live batting practice, which typically serves as the final checkpoint before a rehab assignment.
The biggest question now is how many games Jung will need in Triple-A.
Under normal circumstances, he might receive three or four games.
Texas, however, enters Wednesday with only 17 games remaining and is trying to chase down the Houston Astros in the American League West.
The Rangers are two games behind the Astros in the division and 1.5 games behind the Cleveland Guardians for the last American League Wild Card spot.
Evan Grant from The Dallas Morning News reported that Jung could stay with Round Rock through Thursday and potentially join the Rangers for Friday’s series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Texas recently shortened Robert Garcia’s rehab assignment under similar circumstances.
The left-handed reliever was expected to make two or three appearances, including pitching on consecutive days, but worked only one inning before joining the Rangers for Tuesday’s game in Seattle.
Before the calf injury, Jung was one of Texas’ best hitters and produced an All-Star caliber first half.
He was hitting .294/.361/.441 with nine home runs, 35 RBIs and an .802 OPS in 92 games when he suffered the injury while running the bases.
How Jung can help
Jung’s return would immediately strengthen the lineup.
His biggest offensive quality is his ability to drive the ball without abandoning a balanced approach.
He can handle velocity, punish mistakes and provide another dangerous presence in the middle of the order.
His bat also gives Texas more lineup flexibility against different pitching matchups.
Defensively, Jung brings stability at third base and familiarity with the Rangers’ infield structure.
The remaining roster decision will come once he is activated.
Cody Freeman is one possible option because he has minor league options remaining, although he has been hitting well.
Justin Foscue could also be sent down, but Texas values him as its best right-handed designated hitter option against left-handed pitching.
