Josh Jung Lands on Injured List: What It Means for the Rangers’ Season

The Texas Rangers have placed third baseman Josh Jung on the 10-day injured list due to neck spasms. This decision is retroactive to March 29, meaning he can come back by April 7. To fill his spot, infielder Jonathan Ornelas has been called up from the minors.

This injury is a frustrating setback for Jung, especially considering he had just started to bounce back from a fractured wrist last season. Recently, team officials have expressed confidence that this neck issue isn’t serious. Manager Bruce Bochy mentioned that Jung might not need to stay on the injured list for long.

Interestingly, Jung’s injury seems to be more about the depth of the team rather than his specific condition. Utility player Josh Smith, who played third base in the last game, left with a left quad contusion after hitting the wall. He is currently day-to-day, leading the Rangers to bolster their infield by promoting Ornelas.

At just 24 years old, Ornelas doesn’t have much experience, playing only 26 games in the majors over the last two seasons. While he may not bring much offense, he’s known for his solid defense and has the speed to steal bases—potentially up to 15 in a good season. He will serve as a utility player while Ezequiel Duran and Smith, once healthy, cover for Jung at third base.

Losing Jung, selected with the eighth overall pick in 2019 and coming off a breakout season, is difficult. Last year, he was named an All-Star and finished fourth in the AL Rookie of the Year voting. Since then, he has maintained a solid batting average of .267 with an impressive slugging percentage. He started this season strong too, with three hits in seven at-bats.

Meanwhile, when Smith is back, he will likely ease the transition. Last season, he had his breakout year, hitting .258 with a solid batting average as a utility player, even claiming the AL Silver Slugger award for that role. His versatility will be crucial for the Rangers as they navigate injuries this early in the season.

In sports, injuries can disrupt a team’s momentum, but adaptability is key. The Rangers have some depth in their roster, and it will be interesting to see how Ornelas steps up during this time.

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