'Here We Go Again.' Josh Jung Laughs Off Bad Luclk Calf Strain

SURPRISE, Ariz. — Josh Jung was still shaking his head in bemused annoyance Saturday morning.

The Texas Rangers All-Star third baseman had to be driven off on a medical cart after straining his left calf while taking ground balls on Friday.

The injury occurred only minutes after Jung arrived at the Rangers' spring training complex, three days earlier than necessary for position players.

Jung, who turned 26 five days ago, will let the low-grade strain recover for about three weeks, manager Bruce Bochy said.

"He'll be looked at some more today, but we're looking at three weeks at minimum," Bochy said. "We'll reevaluate where he's at. We're hopeful that he'll be ready for opening day."

A year ago, he missed five weeks after fracturing his left thumb on a ground ball during a game last August. He returned early and played the entire postseason with a swollen left thumb. In fact, it was still swollen in January.

Jung, who walked into the clubhouse with a wrap around his left calf, shrugged off the injury with some humor.

"Here we go again," he said.

A stress fracture in his foot sidelined Jung for much of 2021. He had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder in 2022.

"He's a tough kid. He's had to deal with some tough luck," Bochy said. "We saw it last year. I'm sure he's disappointed, but we're hoping he'll be ready to go on Opening Day."

Ezequiel Duran, Josh Smith, Jonathan Ornelas, and Davis Wendzel will all get reps at third while Duran is out. Another option could be Justin Foscue, who was working out at first base on Friday. Foscue has mostly been a second baseman, but the club is looking for more position options for the prospect, with Marcus Semien entrenched at second.