Rangers call up 3B prospect Josh Jung for remainder of the 2022 season

The Rangers on Friday will purchase the contract of 2019 first-round selection Josh Jung from Triple-A Round Rock, a person with knowledge of the club’s thinking said Wednesday. The 24-year-old third baseman joins them for the remainder of the season after shoulder surgery nearly wiped out his entire 2022 season. Presumably, this is not just a casual look. The Rangers expect him to be in the majors for good.

Jung was slashing .273/.321/.525/.841 with six homers in 23 games and 99 plate appearances for Round Rock. Ironically, Jung had been in a bit of a slump since September started. He was 1 for 4 on Wednesday against Oklahoma City, but has gone just 4 for 25 with no homers or walks in his last six games. He had 14 strikeouts.

Jung, who attended Texas Tech, has left little doubt about his readiness for the majors. In 257 Triple-A plate appearances over the last two years, Jung has slashed .317/.389/.600/.989 with 15 homers.

The only hold up has been injury-related. Jung missed the first portion of last season with a foot injury that required surgery. Just ahead of spring training this year, he suffered a weight-lifting injury that required a surgical repair on his left (non-throwing) shoulder. At the time, the Rangers said he’d likely not play third base this season but did leave open the possibility of return. He has exceeded all rehab schedules.