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

Texas Rangers‘ top prospect Josh Jung can’t seem to catch a break. After a foot injury sidelined him most of the 2021 season before making his return last summer for AA Frisco and later AAA Round Rock, the third baseman is now dealing with shoulder issues.

According to multiple reports, Jung is suffering from a labral tear in his left shoulder as a result of lifting heavy weights. It’s a tough blow for Jung, who was aiming to win a big league job out of spring training as the Opening Day third baseman for the Texas Rangers. That won’t be happening anymore, sadly.

The good news, though, is that the Texas Rangers have depth at the position. Lots of it. So while losing Jung is no doubt upsetting, the organization has many in-house replacements for its top position player prospect. Let’s look at five.

Texas Rangers: 5 Josh Jung injury replacements

1. Isiah Kiner-Falefa

So much for trading him away. He’s now the favorite to replace Jung in this scenario.

The rumors had been swirling that Kiner-Falefa could be dealt to one of many potential suitors this off-season. And with his versatility and strong glove, that made sense.

Now, though? He becomes valuable to the Texas Rangers once again.

It was likely he was going to start the season at the hot corner over Jung anyway, but now it’s basically a lock that he will do so now. He’s earned the opportunity to start with his leadership, hustle, and consistency, and his Golden Glove, of course. In many ways, the Jung injury is a blessing in disguise for those who advocated to keep IKF around, and we’re glad he’ll get an opportunity once again in 2021. But there will be other players in the organization who could have something to say in this matter, too…

Texas Rangers: 5 Josh Jung injury replacements

2. Davis Wendzel

Don’t sleep on Davis Wendzel as someone who could stay in the mix for the third base job this year.

Wendzel has always had a knack for the bat, but he’s mostly blocked by other higher ceiling prospects at the positions he would play along the infield. Jung’s injury helps undo some of that logjam, though.

Much like IKF, Wendzel is versatile and offers a well-rounded skillset. He didn’t exactly show out last season in the minors, combining for a .745 OPS across three levels, but he’s polished enough that a big league debut could be imminent. And maybe sooner than we all expected given this injury situation.

If there was ever a chance for Wendzel to break through amidst the infield depth in the Texas Rangers organization, this feels like the one.

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.

Texas Rangers: 5 Josh Jung injury replacements

4. Sherten Apostel

Much like Davis Wendzel, Sherten Apostel is a promising prospect blocked by organizational depth at the infield positions. Apostel does have a cup of coffee with the Texas Rangers, though, which came during the shortened 2020 season. He hasn’t been back since, however.

Originally a third baseman, Apostel’s big frame has necessitated a move to first base, though he can still play third base given his athleticism. The organization has even tried him as a pitcher since his bat, while powerful, has yet to really come around as much as the Rangers would like. Still, he remains in the mix.

Apostel shouldn’t be viewed as a favorite in this situation by any stretch, but his experience playing third base and his previous big league stint should at least give him a shot to win a roster spot with Josh Jung’s injury.