Skip Schumaker wasn't scared of tough Josh Jung decision in Rangers lineup vs Orioles

Josh Jung left out of Rangers' lineup against Orioles today

Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung is notably not in manager Skip Schumaker's starting lineup today. Instead, utilityman Ezequiel Durán, who has a double in five plate appearances this season, is slated to be the starting third baseman as the Rangers take on the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards at 5:35 CST tonight.

While it's normal for starting position players to take a day off every once in a while, it's difficult not to think Jung's omission from today's lineup is because of his early-season struggles; in 17 plate appearances through the first four games of the season, Jung has no hits and no walks with seven strikeouts. Not ideal for a starting third baseman on a team with postseason aspirations.

Jung, 28, is coming off a strong but injury-shortened spring training, where he slashed .333/.368/.667 with a homer, a triple and a double in 19 plate appearances, so it's a bit surprising he's off to such a slow start this season. Hopefully, getting rest today is what Jung needs to get back on track at the plate.

Rangers need Jung to get back on track

Just three seasons ago, Jung posted a .266/.315/.467 (113 OPS+) slash line with 23 homers and 70 RBI across 122 games en route to finishing fourth in American League Rookie of the Year voting. He also played a vital role during the 2023 postseason, hitting .308/.329/.538 with three home runs, four doubles, a triple and eight RBI in 70 plate appearances. If the Rangers can get that version of Jung back, their lineup will be in a much better spot.

Jung has suffered various injuries during his MLB career, leading him to play in just 46 games in 2024, during which he hit .264/.298/.421 (108 OPS+) with seven home runs and 16 RBI across 188 plate appearances. Jung was mostly healthy in 2025, but he wasn't as productive as Rangers fans had hoped.

Despite holding an OPS below .700 last year, Jung's OPS+ was exactly 100, meaning he was a league-average hitter. Still, he needs to step up his game at the plate if he wants to continue being the Rangers' starting third baseman. He is known to be a strong defender, so his leash shouldn't be too short.

With Jung out of the lineup, the Rangers will face right-handed starter Zach Eflin tonight. Right-hander Jacob deGrom is slated to make the start for Texas. The game will be available to watch on Rangers Sports Network.