MILWAKUEE – The Texas Rangers will have to wait a bit longer for a boost to their lineup, as plans for third baseman Josh Jung’s return have been delayed due to health concerns.
Rangers skipper Bruce Bochy revealed at American Family Field on Tuesday that Jung is on his way back to Texas for a medical review, focusing on his right wrist which had previously undergone surgery. The team’s general manager, Chris Young, elaborated that the setback involves “tendon inflammation” near the site of the operation.
According to Young, “The inflammation is essentially a result of the buildup process and the current weakness in the wrist, which is to be expected to some degree given he’s still building back his strength. He began his baseball activities, and unfortunately, it led to some irritation in the tendon.
However, we believe the diagnosis received today is relatively positive, and with a bit of rest, we’re hopeful it will subside quickly. We’ll then be in a better position to assess and devise a plan to gradually increase his activity levels.”
Jung played four rehabilitation games with Triple-A Round Rock, managing to hit 4-for-17 with five strikeouts before the Rangers halted his progress due to wrist soreness.
He was initially slated to partake in batting practice on Monday and engage with live pitching on Tuesday during the Milwaukee series. However, these plans were scrapped when the decision was made for him to seek further medical evaluation. Bochy emphasized that while Jung’s condition hasn’t necessarily worsened, the team aims to ensure he is thoroughly fit before reintegrating him at the major league level.
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There was a hint of optimism from Bochy regarding Jung’s potential rejoining the team as they head to Baltimore, though Young suggested such a timeline might be “ambitious.”
“You naturally expect some challenges in the recovery from major surgery,” Young remarked. “Ideally, he would have been back by now had everything gone smoothly.
This is just a minor obstacle we’re confident of overcoming in the next few days, though it’s too soon to specify when he’ll be ready to return. We’ll rely on our medical team to guide us through the next stages of his rehabilitation, ensuring we don’t rush him and risk further issues.”
Jung’s wrist issue dates back to April, following an incident where he was struck by a pitch in a game against the Rays, leading to a fracture. Though he underwent successful surgery in Phoenix on April 2, the injury turned out to be more severe than initially anticipated, thus extending his recovery period.
