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Texas Rangers: 5 injury replacements who could fill in for Josh Jung

BySeth Carlson|
AMARILLO, TEXAS - JULY 25: Infielder Josh Jung #18 of the Frisco RoughRiders hits a home run during the game against the Amarillo Sod Poodles at HODGETOWN Stadium on July 25, 2021 in Amarillo, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
AMARILLO, TEXAS - JULY 25: Infielder Josh Jung #18 of the Frisco RoughRiders hits a home run during the game against the Amarillo Sod Poodles at HODGETOWN Stadium on July 25, 2021 in Amarillo, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
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Sep 23, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Andy Ibanez (77) looks towards the plate during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Andy Ibanez (77) looks towards the plate during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Texas Rangers: 5 Josh Jung injury replacements

3. Andy Ibanez

Ibanez was already a lock for the big league roster in 2022 given his strong hitting abilities, but now he could easily find himself thrusted into a starting infield job.

He isn’t exactly the most gifted defender, with a documented history of being iffy with the glove, but sometimes teams are willing to sacrifice defense for more offense. Or in the case of the 2021 Texas Rangers, just putting the best players out there as possible.

Ibanez proved he could hit in the big leagues last season when he was given his chance, finishing 2021 with a .756 OPS (.270 BA). He’s also listed as a third baseman, so that is his natural position. Again, that doesn’t mean he’s destined to stay there long-term, but he could definitely help patch a hole for a little while, especially if he keeps hitting at the clip he did last year.

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