2 promising Texas Rangers pitchers on the comeback trail in 2022

A season has yet to begin in 2022, but the Texas Rangers continue to deal with injuries. With the news that top position player prospect Josh Jung will be out most, if not all, of the upcoming season due to a labral tear in his shoulder, it seems not even a flip of the calendar year can prevent the team from unfortunate circumstances.

It’s not all doom and gloom for the Texas Rangers on the injury front, though, as two promising pitchers are expected to return to game action this year: major league reliever Jonathan Hernandez and minor league prospect Ricky Vanasco.

Both pitchers recently posted videos on social media tracking their recovery progress, and it seems safe to say, both are looking ready to take on the season ahead!

Texas Rangers pitchers Jonathan Hernandez and Ricky Vanasco are looking strong on the comeback trail

While Vanasco and Hernandez are in different places in their respective careers, both are known for their hard-throwing nature and electric stuff. And knowing that both are on their way back to playing in games again should be very reassuring to Texas Rangers fans who may be bummed out (and rightfully so) about the injury to Josh Jung.

Vanasco and Hernandez both had Tommy John surgery within the last two years, with both having to sit out the 2021 season as a result of the operation. Vanasco is just 23, while Hernandez is just 25, so they have their whole careers ahead of them.

Hernandez has already made it to the big leagues as a late-inning reliever. He posted a 2.90 ERA during the shortened 2020 season, and a 4.32 ERA in 2019. His presence in the Texas Rangers bullpen will be much anticipated upon his return this season.

Vanasco, meanwhile, last pitched in 2019 for the A Hickory Crawdads. There, he posted a 1.69 ERA before suffering his elbow injury. His incredible penchant for strikeouts and live arm will be among one of the most exciting developments to watch within the organization this season. The 23-year-old arguably has the highest ceiling of any prospect, let alone just pitching prospects, in the entire Texas Rangers system.

So while the Josh Jung news is undoubtedly a blow to the 2022 season, fans can take solace in the fact that these two young hurlers are on the mend.