The Texas Rangers are making strategic moves to turn around their season, with President of Baseball Operations Chris Young emphasizing the difficulty of decisions regarding player performance. Recently, they optioned third baseman Josh Jung to Triple-A Round Rock after a month-long slump that saw him struggle significantly at the plate. Jung, a former first-round pick and All-Star starter, was hitting just .158 with 27 strikeouts for the month of June, prompting the team to seek a reset for him in the minor leagues.
Young expressed that these decisions are not taken lightly, as they care deeply for their players. Manager Bruce Bochy noted the hope that Jung will not spend extensive time in the minors, allowing him to work on his game in a less pressurized environment, ultimately benefiting both him and the major league club. “If he gets right, he’s going to make us a better club,” Bochy said. This move not only allows Jung a chance to regain his form but also enables the team to field a more effective lineup heading into a critical stretch of games, especially as they try to bridge a substantial gap in the standings.
The Rangers responded positively to their recent challenges, scoring six or more runs in multiple games and finding success with other players stepping up, such as Ezequiel Duran and Marcus Semien. Duran, in particular, has shown promise, making a significant impact upon being placed at third base.
The situation with Jung mirrors earlier measures taken by the Rangers, who successfully optioned first baseman Jake Burger earlier in the season. Burger saw marked improvement following his brief stint in Triple-A, enhancing the hope that Jung will similarly thrive away from the pressures of the major league spotlight.
Young and the Rangers organization remain optimistic about Jung’s potential return, with the understanding that improved performance will align with the team’s overarching goals for success this season. With the right adjustments, Jung could quickly regain his footing and contribute significantly to the team’s championship aspirations.