The Texas Rangers could use all the help they can to regain momentum and be a serious contender for the AL West Division and a playoff spot. They are in a tough division behind the Houston Astros and the Seattle Mariners.
Texas Rangers Send Struggling Josh Jung Down to Minors
The Rangers were back on the field following the All-Star Break on Friday. Not only that, but they moved up infielder Cody Freeman from their Triple-A team in Round Rock. The Rangers selected the most ready Triple-A player to contribute and help them win more games after the All-Star Break. This means the 2023 All-Star third baseman Josh Jung is nowhere near ready to get moved up from the Triple-A roster back into the Rangersâ lineup.
On July 2, the Rangers moved Jung down to the Triple-A team for the first time in his career. It comes as Jung was having a challenging performance in June. In 24 games played in June, Jung accounted for a batting average of .158, an on-base percentage of .208, and a slugging percentage of .221. In 101 plate appearances, he has accounted for only seven runs, 15 hits, one home run, 12 RBIs, five walks, and 27 strikeouts.
Jung spoke to Dallas Morning Newsâ Evan Grant about his disappointing month and being optioned a few weeks ago.
“I havenât been very good. Itâs been the worst [month] ever. Iâm just trying to stay in my routine and make adjustments. Itâs a daily grind, daily battle, but Iâm doing everything I can. Itâs frustratingtâs hard. But this game isnât easy. Itâs just me versus me right now.â
Josh Jung Not Improving as Fast as Rangers Hoped
Jung is attempting to be patient with the process of getting back into rhythm at the plate. He has been able to find some success, but not by much, at Round Rock. In five games played at the Triple-A since being sent down, he is 5-of-24 at the plate, accounting for five hits, two runs, one walk, was caught stealing once, struck out five times, accounted for a batting average of .217, an on-base percentage of .250, and a slugging percentage of .304.
This is not the progress many Ranger fans and the organization in general were hoping to see from the former All-Star as he looked to be at his most efficient since the 2023 season. He spent a good portion of last season suffering from injuries, including a fractured wrist.
Jung was making good progress in the months leading up to June. In the first 50 games played, Jung accounted for 18 runs, 51 hits, seven home runs, 23 RBIs, four stolen bases, 11 walks, and 46 strikeouts. He also has a batting average of .277, an on-base percentage of .321, and a slugging percentage of .440.
If Jung continues to struggle establishing a rhythm at the plate after a good two-month start to the season, he may find himself in Round Rock longer than he anticipated. The Rangers came into the season looking to rebound from last seasonâs down production. They wanted to rely on young stars like Jung. Now, the team hopes he can regain his composure soon to get moved back into the Majors sooner rather than later.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Josh Jung’s Lack of Progress Sparks Concern for Texas Rangers appeared first on Heavy Sports.