Injured Texas Rangers Catcher Jonah Heim Closing in on Return

Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim has been taking batting practice and could be back for the upcoming homestand.

Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim has taken batting practice from the left side of the plate each of the last two days as he recovers from his left wrist tendon sheath tear.

In fact, Rangers manager Bruce Bochy told The Dallas Morning News on Saturday that Heim could return to the lineup without a rehab assignment.

Texas is in San Francisco through Sunday and then returns home to start a six-game homestand with the Los Angeles Angels on Monday.

It’s starting look like Heim might be ready to play soon.

“I’d say it’s possible to (bring him back without a rehab assignment),” Bochy said. “I think the biggest question for me: Is there any risk involved? That’s what you’ve got to look at more than anything. If not, then why not activate him?”

Bochy first alluded to the idea that Heim could return much sooner from the injury earlier this week while the Rangers were in Oakland to face the Athletics.

While in Oakland, Heim caught a bullpen, batted off a tee, ran bases and played catch.

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

Heim suffered the injury on July 27 when he swung at a pitch in Houston.

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 from Pittsburgh as insurance.

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