The Texas Rangers are entering August with several uncertainties. Currently holding a 51-55 record, they sit in third place in the American League West, just below .500.

One major concern has been the absence of Josh Jung, who has missed most of the season due to a wrist injury sustained on April 1. However, there is optimism about Jung’s imminent return. Manager Bruce Bochy reported that Jung is “doing great” after going 2-for-7 in his first two rehab games with Double-A Frisco on July 26-27. The team will assess Jung’s progress on July 29 to decide whether he will continue his rehab with Triple-A or rejoin the Major League roster.

Bochy indicated that the team is “open-minded to really anything” regarding Jung’s role in the lineup, which is encouraging news for both Jung and the Rangers as they aim to get back to .500 and re-enter the playoff race.

Josh Jung will be a boost for the Rangers 

In addition to the potential return of Jung, the Rangers might make further acquisitions before the MLB trade deadline on Tuesday, having already completed one trade. Jung’s return would be a significant boost to the team.

Jung had a breakout season in 2023 with a .266 average, 23 home runs, and 70 RBI. In 2024, he hit two home runs and drove in six runs in just four games before his injury.

Bochy recently expressed hope that Jung could be activated by August 1, underscoring how soon he might return. The Rangers are also hopeful for the return of Evan Carter, and having both Jung and Carter back in the lineup could be crucial for Texas’s playoff aspirations.