ARLINGTON — Texas Rangers’ third baseman Josh Jung is eager to return to the diamond, even hoping to play in the upcoming Monday game in Milwaukee, yet his return is not his decision to make.
“It’s not in my hands,” Jung humorously remarked before Saturday’s matchup against the Royals.
After completing his rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Round Rock in Sacramento, Jung arrived back on Friday. He spent part of Saturday undergoing an evaluation by the team’s medical staff for the fractured right wrist that has sidelined him since the season’s early days.
Jung expressed feeling physically fit, though he acknowledged a lingering stiffness in his wrist that is subtly impacting his batting technique.
“The key is ensuring my swing feels right,” Jung said. “Regardless of the pitching, if my swing is on point, I’m in a good place.”
Despite Jung’s optimism, Texas Rangers Manager Bruce Bochy confirmed that Jung is not slated to play on Monday.
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Following his return from Sacramento, Jung is set to rest for a couple of days. Bochy emphasized that this is not indicative of a setback but rather a measure to allow the wrist’s stiffness to subside.
Jung will accompany the Rangers to Milwaukee for a weeklong, seven-game series starting Monday. He is scheduled to practice hitting against live pitching on Tuesday, after which the team will assess his readiness for gameplay.
Jung was showing a strong performance at the plate with a .412 batting average, two home runs, and six RBIs before sustaining a wrist injury from a pitch on April 1 against Tampa Bay, leading to surgery and his placement on the injured list.
Mentally, Jung feels primed for a comeback, but the question remains: Is his wrist up to the task?
“I’ve been ready,” Jung confidently stated. “It’s been a lengthy journey, but I’m prepared.”
