Texas Rangers Dealing with More Injury Woes, Star 3B Has Opening Day Availability in Doubt

After dealing with a calf issue for the entirety of spring training, Texas Rangers' third baseman Josh Jung still isn't ready to run intensely, putting his availability for Opening Day in doubt.

After learning on Friday that first baseman Nate Lowe is likely to start the year on the injured list, it looks like Opening Day is in question for Texas Rangers' starting third baseman Josh Jung as well.

He's dealt with a calf strain all spring and he isn't cleared to up his running intensity yet.

Per Jeff Wilson of RangersToday on social media:

An MRI showed that Josh Jung's left calf is improving, but not enough for #Rangers let him ratchet up his running program. Justin Foscue has some pain in his side Friday and will be down a few days. He reported no discomfort this morning, which is good.

An MRI showed that Josh Jung's left calf is improving, but not enough for #Rangers let him ratchet up his running program. Justin Foscue has some pain in his side Friday and will be down a few days. He reported no discomfort this morning, which is good.

— Jeff Wilson (@JeffWilsonTXR) March 9, 2024

The Rangers won the World Series a season ago, so they certainly have some leeway and a grace period in terms of getting guys healthy, but they are dealing with a bevy of injuries. In addition to Jung and Lowe, the team is also dealing with a delayed spring for Corey Seager. Pitchers Max Scherzer, Tyler Mahle and Jacob deGrom are all out until at least midseason.

The 26-year-old Jung is a huge part of what the Rangers do and is a force in the middle of their powerful order. He burst onto the scene last season, hitting .266 with 23 homers and 70 RBI. He earned an All-Star nod and finished fourth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting as the Rangers won their first World Series title.

Even with the injury concerns, the Rangers still have Adolis Garcia, Evan Carter, and Marcus Semien.

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