The fairytale season for the Texas Rangers has hit a big of a snag this weekend, as third baseman Josh Jung has suffered a fractured thumb. Jung fractured his thumb turning a double play on a Jorge Soler rocket in the sixth inning of Sunday’s win against the Miami Marlins.
Rangers announce that Josh Jung has a broken left thumb as a result of this play pic.twitter.com/6ksAv4I0WM
— Barstool Baseball (@StoolBaseball) August 6, 2023
Jung still secured the double play, which is a testament to his toughness. The 25-year-old third baseman was a leading candidate for American League Rookie of the Year, with a .275/.325/.492 slash line, belting 22 home runs. Manager Bruce Bochy said that Jung will see a specialist before a timeline is announced.
What comes next for Texas Rangers after Josh Jung injury?
In the meantime, prospect Jonathan Ornelas will be called up to take Jung’s place. No corresponding 40-man roster move is needed, as Ornelas is already on the 40-man.
Ornelas was the club’s third round draft pick in 2018, drafted out of an Arizona high school. The 23-year-old has played third base, shortstop, second base, and center field this season in Triple-A, his first action at that level. Seen as more of a hit over power type, Ornelas has regressed to a .250 batting average and just five home runs, posting a career low 80 wRC+.
Still, scouts put an average grade on Ornelas’ hit tool, with plus speed and solid fielding. Personally, the fielding earns at least a 55 or 60 thanks to the positional versatility Ornelas has displayed. In 123 Double-A games last season, Ornelas bashed 14 home runs and 20 doubles, swiping 14 bags and posting a 102 wRC+. With career strikeout rates north of 20 percent, Ornelas, as do all prospects, comes with a bit of a disclaimer. Despite a career-best 13.8 percent walk rate, Ornelas’ production has dipped, especially in the power department. After posting a .126 ISO last season, Ornelas has managed a measly .098 ISO in Triple-A.
The reinforcements already on the roster, in the forms of Josh Smith and Ezequiel Duran, are more than enough to sustain the team in the short run. The 2.5-game lead for the Texas Rangers over Houston for the division is an exciting watch as we enter the home stretch of the 2023 season.