Who will step up for Rangers in absence of Josh Jung?
The Texas Rangers have been dealt some early adversity.
All-Star third baseman Josh Jung was struck by a pitch on his right wrist in the ninth inning Monday against the Tampa Bay Rays, resulting in a fracture.
Jung was off to a scorching start in 2024, hitting .412 with two home runs and six RBI.
The Rangers will now have to turn to a familiar face to replace Jung, utilityman Ezequiel Duran.
Already a part of a platoon with first baseman Jared Walsh to replace injured first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, Duran will now have to shift over to the hot corner to replace Jung.
No stranger to filling in for the Rangers wherever he is needed, Duran is coming off his first full season in the majors, in which he slashed .276/.324/.443 with 38 extra-base hits, 46 RBI and eight stolen bases in 122 games played.
Off to a solid start in 2024, Duran is currently slashing .429/.429/.571 with three hits in seven at-bats and one stolen base.
While it will be tough to fully replace Jung, who made an All-Star team last season, Duran has an element to his game that Jung doesn't: speed.
Whether it's stealing a base or beating out an infield hit, Duran will be given every opportunity to produce as a starter for the Rangers over the next month or two as the defending World Series champs look to repeat in 2024.
Look for the 24-year-old to continue to make a name for himself with his new opportunity at third base.
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