Chicago White Sox first-round MLB draft pick Jake Burger has another setback, after reinjuring his Achilles. Will he ever be the same again?
The Chicago White Sox drafting Missouri State’s Jake Burger was a match made in heaven. The St. Louis native became a Chicago White Sox while growing up in the baseball heaven in St. Louis — hey, nobody’s perfect.
The fans quickly embraced him too, Tweeting out all sorts of “Burger” puns on the night of the 2017 MLB draft, where Jake Burger went 11th overall. He even got a taste of Minor League Baseball and chalked up a .263/.336/.412 slash line, five home runs, and 29 RBIs.
During Spring training, Jake Burger was hitting his stride — even legging out a triple, showing off his deceptive speed.
Then, the unthinkable happened.
Here's video of Jake Burger's injury. #WhiteSox pic.twitter.com/AddQauZHmQ
— South Side Update (@SSupdatepodcast) February 26, 2018
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After hitting a grounder to third base, Jake Burger ran to first base like he’s done a million times. But, on February 26, 2018, the routine play turned into a devastating injury. Nearly 60-feet up the line, Jake Burger fell to the ground in agony, after tearing his Achilles tendon.
Fast-forward about 10 weeks later, Jake Burger’s progress was promising. He was on pace to meet that 12 month recovery time before returning to the diamond. Then, another fluke injury to his Achilles set him back, once again.
Jake Burger was hanging out in his backyard minding his own business; then the MLB injury Grim Reaper struck again — without bias. What does this mean long-term? Will Jake Burger ever play baseball ever again?
Yikes. Jake Burger re-tore his Achilles last week at his home in Arizona. Repaired yesterday. Shouldn’t impact his career long term, but he loses the 10 weeks of rehab he already had. #WhiteSox
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) May 9, 2018
Thankfully, the prognosis is favorable and Jake Burger is expected to make a full recovery. However, he returns to day one of his recovery processes. Meaning, the two months of progress he’s made thus far, is wiped away.
Next: Jake Burger is something truly special
That’s a real shame, with Jake Burger being one of the coolest and down to earth people you’ll ever meet. He deserves a fate much better than this one.
Don’t count out Jake Burger just yet, though; whose sheer will, determination, and toughness will see him back on the field better than ever. Get well soon, Jake. We’re rooting for you!