Texas Rangers Rookie Josh Jung Cleared to Return During Playoff Push
With the Texas Rangers in the midst of a playoff push, rookie Josh Jung is on the verge of bringing his powerful bat back to the lineup.
The Rangers have cleared the All-Star third baseman for all baseball actives. Jung will take live at-bats at the Spring Training facility in Surprise, Ariz., over the weekend and could be activated as early as Monday for the start of a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox.
Helping the cause even more, Adolis García is slated to come of the injured list Monday and could also be ready to play.
Texas (81-64) is sitting second in the American League West and Wild Card race going into Thursday's series finale at the Toronto Blue Jays. Texas has won the first three games of the series.
The Dallas Morning News reported that Jung was medically cleared after his surgically-repaired left thumb was examined by a hand specialist on Thursday in Arizona. Clearance may not mean a full healing of the injury.
Jung told reporters last week that the injury would not completely heal until the offseason. He previously said range of motion and pain tolerance will be the biggest things he'll need to be productive.
The good news with Jung comes a day after the Rangers learned that Max Scherzer would be lost for the rest of the regular season and possibly the playoffs. Texas is also awaiting the return of injured All-Star outfielder Adolis García.
Jung, who was in a close race for AL Rookie of the Year, has not played since Aug. 6 after suffering a fractured thumb. The Rangers have struggled to find stability on the corner, dividing games between Ezequiel Duran, Josh Smith and Jonathan Ornelas.
Prior to injury, Jung posted a .274/..323/.489 slash line with a .489 slugging percentage. He had 22 home runs, 67 RBI and 22 doubles.
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