ARLINGTON — Josh Jung’s Friday night at designated hitter ended after a 94.6 mph fastball from Minnesota starter Joe Ryan caught him on the right hand and wrist in the series opener against the Twins.
The result
Jung stayed in long enough to take first base after the hit-by-pitch, with manager Skip Schumaker and a trainer checking on him near the bag. He remained in the game as a baserunner and later scored, but the Rangers removed him before his next scheduled trip to the plate.
Alejandro Osuna entered as a pinch-hitter in the third inning. Jung went for X-rays and was set for additional evaluation.
The concern is understandable given Jung’s recent history. A pitch struck his right wrist early in the 2024 season, leading to a fracture that required more than one surgery and cost him most of that year.
Texas has relied heavily on Jung when he has been available this season. Through 104 games, he is batting .299 with 12 home runs and an .827 OPS. He also missed 46 games because of a calf injury, then returned from the injured list on Sept. 12 and has batted .341 since coming back.
For now, the Rangers will wait on the imaging and follow-up examination before knowing whether Friday’s hit was merely a painful interruption or something that could again affect one of their key bats.
