Texas Rangers star Josh Jung hit a home run and brought in four runs before exiting Monday’s 9-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays due to a fractured right wrist.
Jung, who is an All-Star third baseman, had to leave in the ninth inning after being hit by a pitch he swung at but missed. Manager Bruce Bochy mentioned there’s no exact timeframe for Jung’s return to the lineup.
“I just feel terrible for him. He’s had such bad luck with injuries, and this one is disappointing,” Bochy expressed. “He’ll be back. I spoke with him briefly, and this hurts. I empathize with him because he’s had to deal with so much… It’ll take some time, but he’ll return.”
Dane Dunning pitched superbly for the Rangers, holding the Rays to just one hit until the seventh inning. Adolis García also reached a milestone by hitting his 100th career home run.
Dunning, who was in a rematch against the Rays from last fall’s postseason, limited them to a double until a home run by Richie Palacios in the seventh inning.
Despite Jung’s early exit due to injury, he had a significant impact on the game, spoiling Ryan Pepiot’s debut for the Rays. Jung hit a three-run homer in the first inning and added an RBI single in the sixth.
García’s home run, a solo shot, marked his third homer in four games this season. He also contributed by being hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the ninth inning, bringing in another run.
The Rangers had a perfect record on the road during their championship season in 2023, including wins against the Rays in the AL Wild Card Series. David Robertson took over for Dunning, who allowed three runs and three hits in 6 1/3 innings, while Brock Burke sealed the victory in the ninth inning.
Pepiot, on the other hand, struggled, conceding six runs and four hits in 5 2/3 innings. Despite his challenging start, Tampa Bay remains hopeful for his future performances.
