Rangers' Josh Jung Set for Monday Return
Texas Rangers fans can breathe a sigh of relief as third baseman Josh Jung is set to make his return to the lineup on Monday against the Chicago White Sox. Jung, who has been sidelined since February 24 due to an adductor muscle strain, recently faced off against Rangers pitchers Cody Bradford, Jalen Beeks, and Carter Baumler, showing promising signs of recovery. He'll get some extra at-bats in a minor-league game today to fine-tune his swing before stepping back onto the big stage.
Jung's return is timely, especially with Opening Day around the corner. As the anticipated starting third baseman for Texas, staying healthy is crucial for Jung to secure his role and contribute to the team's success.
Reflecting on his breakout 2023 season, Jung made waves by earning a spot on the American League All-Star team. With a 2.6 bWAR and a solid .266/.315/.467 slash line, he blasted 23 home runs and drove in 70 runs over 122 games. His postseason performance was equally impressive, where he hit .308 with three home runs, helping propel Texas during their World Series journey.
However, injuries have been a persistent hurdle for Jung. Limited to just 46 games in 2024, he managed a .264 average with seven homers.
Last year, while mostly healthy, he didn't quite reach the heights fans hoped for, posting an OPS below .700 but maintaining a league-average OPS+ of 100. To hold onto his starting spot, Jung will need to elevate his game at the plate this season.
Injury Updates: Higashioka and Foscue
Catcher Kyle Higashioka is also expected to make his return on Monday. Having dealt with back stiffness, Higashioka recently caught a few innings and took two plate appearances, indicating he's on the mend. His last spring training game was on March 5, so his return will be a welcome boost for the team.
Meanwhile, infielder Justin Foscue, who has been sidelined with a right hamstring strain, participated in live batting practice with six plate appearances. Although he's not in the running for the Opening Day roster, Foscue's early spring performance was notable, with a double and three singles in just seven at-bats. His recovery will be one to watch as the season progresses.
As the Rangers gear up for the new season, the return of key players like Jung and Higashioka will be pivotal in setting the tone for what fans hope will be a successful campaign.