Thought of Missing Season 'Tough to Swallow' for Texas Rangers All-Star Jonah Heim
The thought of season-ending surgery has crossed the mind of Jonah Heim. The Texas Rangers All-Star catcher went on the 10-day injured list before Friday’s series-opening loss to the San Diego Padres.
“There’s definitely a lot of emotions that go into it,” Heim said, according to MLB.com. “It’s disappointing that I’m missing the series, and you’re thinking about the worst-case scenarios and missing the whole year. It’s tough to swallow, but it’s part of the sport and something we’ve got to deal with.
“Right now, I’m hopeful that I’ll be back with these guys and make a long playoff run.”
The American League West-leading Rangers (60-44) hold a 2.0-game lead over the Houston Astros, with the Los Angeles Angels 6.0 games back. Texas is 2-5 in its last seven games, including 1-3 on the current road trip.
Heim was diagnosed with a left wrist tendon strain suffered Wednesday in the win at Houston. He left the game with wrist soreness after swinging and missing at a Framber Valdez curveball in the fourth inning.
“I just took a normal swing and just felt a little pop when I finished,” Heim said. “It was kind of weird, I didn’t hurt initially. I tried to take a practice swing, and it was pretty painful. So then that’s when the trainers came out. Obviously, it wasn’t a great situation.”
Heim underwent further tests Friday on his wrist, which is in a splint. The current plan is for 2-3 weeks of rest and rehab before getting reevaluated. Surgery, which would end Heim’s season, is on the table.
“I’m just going to rest and try to get the inflammation out of there,” Heim said. “Then it becomes a pain management issue. I’m going to do everything I can get back out on the field with these guys. … Pretty much if I can handle the pain, then I’m going to be out there. I like to think I have a high tolerance for pain. So I’m going to trust the training staff and do everything we can to get back up.”
Heim has been one of the best catchers in baseball, both offensively and defensively, all season. His slash line is .280/.337/.479 with 14 home runs and 70 RBI in 90 games.
Mitch Garver started at catcher Friday against the Padres, with backup Sam Huff entering late in the game.
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