Rangers Josh Jung Swinging Bat, But Running Remains Issue

Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung can swing the bat. It's running at full speed that remains an issue.

The All-Star, who strained his left calf on Feb. 16, is scheduled to face minor league pitchers in a live camp game on the backfields Wednesday morning, a good sign but far from an automatic elevation to a full return from the injury.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said the training staff would evaluate Jung's calf after the Wednesday workout before progressing him deeper into action.

"Josh is going to hit off some minor leaguers in a [backfield] game where he can just keep jumping in [the box] and we'll see," Bochy said said. "If all goes well, he'll DH in a game."

When the injury occurred, three days before Jung and other position players were due in camp, the club said the young slugger would be out of commission for at least three weeks. Wednesday is the 19th day since the injury, so Jung appears to be slightly ahead of schedule. Of course, even if he's able to hit if running remains an issue, his full return to the lineup will continue to be pushed back. 

"He's just not able to run yet," Bochy said."I mean [only] very lightly [running], so that's why he's not game-ready, but pretty close. So I can't give you a day but he's swinging really well right now he took live BP [Monday]. He'll face live pitching, and I could see him and a few days probably DHing some."