Texas Rangers Stars Josh Jung, Adolis Garcia Play First Game After Return From Injured List
In their first game back with the Texas Rangers on Monday, third baseman Josh Jung and right fielder Adolis García combined for just one hit in the 4-2 loss to the Boston Red Sox.
Jung got that hit, a single off former Rangers reliever Chris Martin in the ninth inning. The one-out single gave the Rangers some life, who were down by two runs.
García followed with a chance to bring Jung home, or at least move him up a base or two, and struck out. It was his second strikeout as part of an 0-for-3 night with a walk.
Jung finished 1-for-4.
Jung and García were both activated before Monday’s game and put in the starting lineup, hitting back-to-back as usual. But not quite in the normal order. Jung batted fifth and García batted sixth, the first time he hit in that position all season.
Before the game, the pair had a full batting practice at Globe Life Field with pitcher Josh Sborz — who is working back from his own injury — throwing to both players.
Rangers manager Bruce Bochy put Jung in the lineup a few hours before the game. García was activated less than an hour before the game, prompting the Rangers to change their lineup.
“I thought Josh looked good and played a good third base and made hard contact,” Bochy said. “(García) got a walk and saw the ball well in that at-bat. He’s missed some time. Hopefully, he gets it going here soon.”
Jung missed 37 games, during which the Rangers went 16-21. He suffered a fractured left thumb in early August that required surgery. He received clearance to resume baseball activities last week.
García injured the right patella tendon in his knee while chasing a fly ball against the Houston Astros earlier this month. He dodged a significant injury, with no tear. The Rangers put him on the 10-day injured list and he was eligible to be activated for the first time on Monday.
The Rangers called up their No. 1 prospect, Evan Carter, to help in the outfield during García’s absence. Carter remained with the team, as the Rangers sent catcher Sam Huff and infielder Jonathan Ornelas to Triple-A to make room for Jung and García.
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