Texas Rangers: 4 players that are key to the Rangers making the playoffs

#3 Josh Jung

It appears Jung is aiming to come back on Monday back at home against the Red Sox. It is looking like he will be activated without any rehab assignment. He is just going to be thrown out there. I do not know if that is the smart move. The team does need him back both in the field and in the batters' box. It is clear that it took Jonah Heim about two to three weeks to get his timing back at the plate. Unfortunately for Jung that is all that is left in the season. They will need him to get his timing back over the course of three days against the Red Sox and be ready to go against the Seattle Mariners when they come to town on Friday for that all important series.

Jung was one of the leading contenders for the American League Rookie of the Year award when he went down with a broken thumb back on August 6th. That was almost six weeks ago now. Texas needs him to pick up where he left off. The team needs him to provide power at the five spot and to drive in runs. He was on pace to get close to 100 RBI's or eclipse that mark before his injury. Can he get the timing back that he had before the injury? One thing to watch for is how patient Bochy is with Jung especially if he gets off to a very slow start.

If Texas can get a Jung that is at least somewhat productive the last two weeks of the season it will make their lineup more competitive from one to nine on a nightly basis. It will make them harder for teams to pitch to. It will give them great opportunities to win on a nightly basis. That is the goal is to win every game. A healthy and productive Josh Jung gives the team that opportunity.