Texas Rangers rookie third baseman, Josh Jung, has suffered a fractured left thumb, casting doubt over his All-Star season. The injury occurred during Sunday’s game against the Miami Marlins, in which the Rangers triumphed with a 6-0 win. The severity of the fracture and the timeline for Jung’s recovery are yet to be determined.
Manager Bruce Bochy commented on the situation, stating that they will consult with a specialist to assess the required course of action. He expressed uncertainty regarding the extent of Jung’s absence from the lineup, highlighting the need for further evaluation.
The injury occurred in the sixth inning while Jung was fielding a ball hit by Jorge Soler. The scorching line drive, traveling at 110 miles per hour, struck Jung’s glove before bouncing out. However, he managed to swiftly grab the ball and initiate a double play by tagging the base and throwing to Marcus Semien at second. Shortly after, Jung left the game due to the injury.
Jung has been a standout performer in his rookie season, leading major league rookies in multiple categories. He currently leads in home runs (22), RBIs (67), and hits (117), while also topping the American League (AL) rookies in runs (70) and extra-base hits (47). Additionally, the 25-year-old has been an integral part of the team, starting in all 107 of Texas’ games this season.
The Texas Rangers, who have not had a winning season since 2016, currently hold a 2.5-game lead over the World Series champions, the Houston Astros, in the AL West division.
As Jung’s injury potentially jeopardizes his participation in the All-Star Game and impacts the Rangers’ future games, fans and analysts eagerly await updates on his condition and the team’s strategy moving forward.
