Josh

Jung

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy told reporters they expect Jung to be back after the minimum amount of time on the injured list. Josh Smith started at third base Saturday and had to leave the game after taking a tumble while trying to catch a foul pop up. Ezequiel Duran filled in for Smith, but now with Jung on the injured list the Rangers can add another infielder to the roster in a move we expect shortly.

Smith banged against the wall while trying to make a play against the outfield. The 27-year-old was clearly in pain, and he was replaced by Ezequiel Duran. The 27-year-old should have an update on his status before the end of Saturday’s contest. The Rangers now down to their third-string third baseman, as Josh Jung is unavailable due to neck spasms.

Bochy told reporters that Jung will need “a few days” so fantasy managers shouldn’t expect to see the third baseman in the lineup for the next few days at least. Bochy wouldn’t rule out an injured list, so managers should be ready to find a replacement, just in case.

Jung will get some extra time off to rest and recover after being removed from Friday’s game against the Red Sox with neck discomfort. It’ll be versatile utility specialist Josh Smith taking over at the hot corner in his absence. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now. There should be some additional clarity on his status at some point later this weekend.

Jung suffered the injury while making a diving stop on a ball hit by Alex Bregman in the seventh inning. The 27-year-old slugger has been battling a stiff neck since the final week of the preseason, so this is not a new issue. Josh Smith took over for him at the hot corner on Friday night and would step into a larger workload there if Jung is ultimately forced to miss any time.

Jung gave a noticeable thumbs up to media members during Wednesday’s workout at Globe Life Field. The 27-year-old third baseman made a precautionary exit from Monday’s exhibition game with neck stiffness. He should be in the lineup on Thursday afternoon.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy downplayed the severity of the issue with reporters, adding that Jung wanted to continue playing, but the club didn’t want to take any chances. The 27-year-old slugger went 0-for-1 with a walk before leaving the contest. Barring an unexpected development, Jung should be ready for Thursday’s season opener.

Jung crushed a 408-foot (109.1 mph EV) solo shot off of Ryan Thompson in the fifth inning that extended the Rangers’ advantage to 6-0. He also grounded out and struck out in the contest, finishing the day 1-for-3. Jung’s blast was his first home run and first RBI of the spring as he’s hitting .286 (4-for-14) in the early going. The most important thing though is that he hasn’t had any injury concerns to speak of.

Jung was able to begin swinging again in November, and the 26-year-old told reporters before his charity wiffle ball game that he isn’t dealing with any issues with the wrist. He’s one of the more talented options at third base and has been successful when healthy, and it’s obviously great to see that he should be ready to roll for the start of the campaign this spring.

Great news. Jung appears on track to enter spring training without any limitations after being limited to just 46 contests last season due to persistent right wrist issues that ultimately led to early October surgery. The 26-year-old former top prospect offers tantalizing over-the-fence power upside, and is a borderline top 12 third baseman for fantasy purposes heading into next year.