Texas Rangers Injured Catcher Jonah Heim on Verge of Return

The outlook continues to be encouraging for Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim, who is recovering faster than expected.

The news just keeps getting better when it comes to the progress of Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim from his left wrist tendon sheath tear.

The Rangers intend to have Heim take live batting practice for the first time when they visit the San Francisco Giants starting on Friday, per MLB.com.

This builds on what Rangers manager Bruce Bochy told 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday, signaling that Heim could be ready sooner than expected.

Since the Rangers arrived in Oakland for the start of their road trip, Heim has caught a bullpen from Wednesday’s starter Jordan Montgomery, batted off a tee and continued to run bases and play catch.

Heim, a switch-hitter, is hitting exclusively from the left side and has reported that he’s not experiencing any pain.

Before the road trip started, Bochy indicated that the next step for Heim was to take “dry swings.” So this progress is certainly accelerated, so much so that Bochy told reporters in Oakland that it’s possible Heim could play in some capacity next week when the Rangers return home for a six-game homestand.

A rehab assignment is also a possibility.

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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