While the Texas Rangers and fantasy owners have been hopeful that Josh Jung was nearing a return, the former all-star is getting his injury reevaluated by a specialist. This seems to be a trend in Arlington, with Corey Seager also having his wrist evaluated. Jung was looking forward to a breakout season after a strong rookie year in 2023. However, he fractured his wrist on April 1st.
Rangers All-Star Third Baseman Being Reevaluated
Josh Jung already with a monster game, 3-4, HR and 4 RBI, but swung at a pitch in the 9th and was drilled in the wrist area. Waiting for an injury update from St. Pete. (MLB/Bally) pic.twitter.com/zG7yumGznj
— Chuck Miketinac (@MaxSportsSA) April 2, 2024
Jung continues to fight inflammation issues with his injured wrist. He has been shut down from swinging a bat completely until his reevaluation. Previously reported by The Dallas Morning News:
“He’s not just going to take some swings and be activated,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “We want to make sure we’re not putting him at risk. We need to see where we are and whether we should give him more time. He was swinging the bat and swinging it well. But he’s also an aggressive [swinger] and he lets it really go.”
Jung played four games with Triple-A Round Rock earlier this month, hoping he would be ready before the All-Star break. Fantasy owners, including myself, began licking their lips at the idea of a healthy Jung. Matt Chapman has been an okay substitute but lacks Jung’s upside. This setback will likely cause Jung to return after the All-Star break without much of a timetable. After Jung is reevaluated on Monday, the Rangers should better understand what Jung’s return will look like.
The Rangers are in the middle of the road in team home runs, ranking 17th in all of MLB with 83 homers on the season. Over the last month, however, the Rangers are dead last in the American League with only 22 big flies. To put things in perspective, the Chicago White Sox have scored more runs and have a higher team batting average and OPS than the reigning world champions over the last month. The Rangers are nine games behind the American League West-leading Seattle Mariners. If the Rangers don’t get some offensive output from somewhere, they may be out of contention before Jung returns to Arlington.
the texas rangers’ record 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 josh jung in the lineup since 2023:
76-50 (.603 W%)
the texas rangers’ record 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 josh jung in the lineup since 2023:
43-53 (.448 W%) pic.twitter.com/MCOHpUFpqA
— 𝙍𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙋𝙡𝙨𝙒𝙞𝙣 (@onemorestrike) June 4, 2024
Fantasy Impact
Josh Smith has taken over duties at the hot corner in Jung’s absence and is putting together a decent season. Slashing .288/.382/.452 with seven home runs this season, Smith has been a pleasant surprise. Smith is rostered in 68% of Yahoo! leagues. Smith is serviceable with some pop but has little upside and isn’t on a team that scores.
Josh Jung is rostered in 82% of Yahoo! leagues, and if you have room to keep him on your IL, this is the safe play. Jung appears to return this season. Owners may not get 2023 Josh Jung numbers, but he has more upside than Smith. If Jung is available in your league and you have an extra IL spot on your roster, he is worth stashing away.
Main Photo Credits: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
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