Rangers Reveal Reason Behind Josh Jung’s Removal From Lineup

Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Rangers Reveal Reason Behind Josh Jung’s Removal From Lineup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Miracle Dimwesh | Last updated Jul 5, 2026 4:12 PM ET

The Texas Rangers made a late lineup change Sunday after Josh Jung was ruled out ahead of their series finale against the Detroit Tigers.

The 28-year-old third baseman was scratched shortly before first pitch because of right knee soreness after fouling a pitch off the knee during Saturday's game. Although Jung finished that contest, the joint became sore overnight.

The Rangers entered Sunday with a 45-44 record, sitting second in the American League West and just a half-game behind the Seattle Mariners. Losing one of their top hitters, even for a day, comes at a critical point in the division race.

Josh Jung fouled a ball off his knee yesterday and came in feeling sore. He’s being evaluated before determining if he’s available off the bench
— kennedi landry (@kennlandry) July 5, 2026

According to MLB.com beat writer Kennedi Landry, the club said, "Josh Jung fouled a ball off his knee yesterday and came in feeling sore. He's being evaluated before determining if he's available off the bench."

The Rangers are treating Jung as day-to-day while monitoring the swelling. No advanced imaging has been scheduled, and the club will first determine whether he is healthy enough to be available off the bench.

Jung has been one of Texas's most productive hitters this season, batting .297 with a .362 on-base percentage, an .811 OPS, nine home runs, 22 doubles, 34 RBIs and 41 runs in 83 games. The former No. 8 overall pick was an All-Star starter in 2023 and helped the Rangers win the World Series that same season.

Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung (6)Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Ezequiel Durán replaced Jung at third base after the late scratch, prompting a minor adjustment to the batting order while Marcus Semien and Corey Seager remained at the top of the lineup.

Texas will continue evaluating Jung's knee over the next day before deciding whether additional testing is necessary. The Rangers will hope their starting third baseman can avoid a longer absence as they continue battling Seattle and the Houston Astros for position in the AL West.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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