'Really Accelerated' Recovery for Texas Rangers Catcher Jonah Heim

Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy hinted that catcher Jonah Heim could return from injury when the team returns from this road trip.

It wasn’t long ago that Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim might miss the rest of the season due to a left wrist tendon sheath tear.

Now? It’s possible that Heim could be back in the lineup next week.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy told 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday that Heim’s progress from the injury is putting him into position to re-join the lineup in some form when the Rangers return from this week’s road trip.

“I’ll tell you, it’s encouraging with Jonah, it really is,” Bochy said. “He caught (Jordan Montgomery’s bullpen), he’s swinging the bat, jeez, I mean he's letting it go, too. I don't know what the timetable is, but it's been really accelerated to the point where I’m not going to be surprised once we get home if he’s not knocking on the door as far as getting some playing time or getting back in there.”

So, it’s not a firm timetable. But the chance that Heim could contribute in some way — and not just as a designated hitter — is a welcome development.

Montgomery — starting Wednesday at the Oakland Athletics — was the pitcher Heim threw to on Monday. In addition, Heim took close to 20 swings at a ball on a tee. On Tuesday, he took batting practice for the first time since the injury.

During the homestand he ran bases, threw the ball without catching it and then played catch on Sunday, which included catching the ball.

Heim suffered the injury on July 27 swinging at a pitch against the Houston Astros.

Heim has been one of the best catchers in baseball this season. Before the injury he slashed .280/.337/.479/.816 with 14 home runs and 70 RBI. The average and RBI are single-season highs and helped Heim earn a spot in the All-Star Game starting lineup for the American League.

The Rangers are set at catcher in terms of depth. Mitch Garver and Sam Huff are sharing starts behind the plate. The Rangers acquired Austin Hedges at the trade deadline. The Rangers also have Kevin Plawecki in the minors, who played at the MLB level last season.

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You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.

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