Josh Jung Takes Big First Step Back To Rangers Lineup

SURPRISE, Ariz. — Josh Jung took a big step towards a return to the Texas Rangers lineup on Monday.

The All-Star third baseman, who strained his left calf on Feb. 16, played in his first spring game, a backfield minor league game in which he led off as a designated hitter four times.

He was 2 for 4 with two singles.

"It's something I haven't done since Game 5 [of the World Series], so being able to do it again, knowing how it felt, it was all good," Jung said. "No hesitancy, everything's good. I'm good."

Jung is expected to play third in a game by the end of the week. Manager Bruce Bochy said the plan is to have him play in the final two exhibition games against the Boston Red Sox on March 25-26 at Globe Life Field. He expects to be ready for the season opener against the Chicago Cubs on March 28 in Arlington.

"I haven't had any opportunities to really push it yet, and that's what they've been doing a good job of keeping me from doing," he said. "I wasn't thinking about it at all."