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Josh Jung On Thumb Injury, Rangers Repeating

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Rangers
By Stefan Stevenson | Last updated 1/20/24

ALLEN — There wasn't much talk of Josh Jung's injured left thumb during the postseason.

That's because the Texas Rangers All-Star third baseman wanted it that way.

Jung fractured his thumb fielding a line drive on Aug. 6, had seven screws inserted for stability during surgery, and returned to action ahead of schedule on Sept. 19.

Despite lingering pain from a fresh surgery, Jung didn't let it bother him during the postseason. He started all 17 games, batting .308 with four doubles, three home runs, and eight RBI as the Rangers won their first World Series title.

"I'm letting it heal as much as possible," Jung said before an autograph session at the Dallas Card Show at the Marriott Convention Center in Allen on Saturday. Teammate Marcus Semien signed autographs before him, and Evan Carter and Cody Bradford are scheduled to sign on Sunday. The event is expected to bring in about 20,000 fans.

Jung started hitting in December after relaxing for much of November. He's taking it a bit slower this season, however, while the thumb continues to heal.

"Once you start getting back into things, you’re putting more force on it again," he said. "It is what it is. But it’s fine. I'm pretty much full-go. I'm still building up [strength]. I’m not taking 130 swings every day or taking a thousand groundballs but building it back up to get ready for the season."

Jung and his position player teammates report to spring training in Surprise, Ariz., by Feb. 19. Pitchers and catchers report by Feb. 14.

"Part of me is like, 'Yes, I can’t wait to get going, and some of me is like, 'Ah, let’s continue taking this break,'" Jung said.

As for his health, Jung, who turns 26 on Feb. 12, brushed off any notion that his thumb is a concern entering spring training.

But staying healthy? That's the key to the Rangers running back their World Series championship.

"I think that’s going to be the biggest thing this year," he said. "You see a bunch of guys who pitch through the postseason, and then the next season is where injuries happen, or setbacks happen, just because you haven’t been through it before. So that’s going to be the biggest thing, all of us staying healthy."

He didn't mention the health of the bullpen specifically, but he took notice of the American League West rival Houston Astros signing left-handed closer Josh Hader.

"Just another pitcher we have to gameplan for," he said. "It’s not that big of a deal. We’ve seen him before."

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Rangers and was syndicated with permission.

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