Texas Rangers Make Big Roster Move Before Red Sox Opener

The Texas Rangers activated third baseman Josh Jung from the injured list after missing more than a month with a fractured left thumb.

The Texas Rangers activated third baseman Josh Jung ahead of Monday’s series opener with the Boston Red Sox at Globe Life Field.

Jung is playing third base and hitting fifth, according to manager Bruce Bochy. The Red Sox are starting right-hander Kutter Crawford (6-7, 4.26), while Jordan Montgomery (9-11, 3.47) is on the hill for Texas. First pitch is set for the 7:05 p.m.

Jung suffered a fractured left thumb in early August that required surgery. For the past few weeks Jung has ramped up his baseball activities while at Globe Life Field. Last Thursday, he headed to Arizona to meet with his thumb specialist with the hope that he would get the all-clear to be a full participant.

He did, and for the past three days he’s been taking full batting and fielding practice in Surprise.

Rangers third baseman Josh Jung has been out of the lineup since early August / Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Jung flew back to Arlington on Sunday as the Rangers (82-67) were flying back from Cleveland, where they were swept by the Guardians. Texas heads into Monday’s series opener with possession of the final American League Wild Card berth and 1.5 games back of the Houston Astros in the AL West.

Bochy said last week there was a chance the Rangers could activate Jung sometime during the homestand, perhaps as early as Monday. Bochy also told reporters in Cleveland on Sunday that Jung had a “really good day” on Saturday.

“Lot of improvements from the day before as far as comfort, seeing the ball, hard contact,” Bochy said.

Jung, who had been batting mostly fifth all season, played his way into a starting role on the AL All-Star team. He was slashing .274/.323/.489/.812 with 22 home runs and 67 RBI. He’s also emerged as an above-average defensive third baseman.

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