The Texas Rangers have had some early setbacks.
Josh Jung, an All-Star third baseman, was struck by a pitch on his right wrist in the ninth inning Monday against the Tampa Bay Rays, causing a fracture.
Jung got out to a hot start in 2024, hitting.412 with two home runs and six RBI.
To replace Jung, the Rangers will have to resort to a familiar face: utilityman Ezequiel Duran.
Duran was already part of a platoon with first baseman Jared Walsh to replace injured first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, but he will now have to relocate to the hot corner to replace Jung.
Duran is no stranger to filling in for the Rangers wherever he is needed, having just completed his first full season in the majors.276/.324/.443 with 38 extra-base hits, 46 RBI, and eight stolen bases in 122 games.
Duran is now slashing after getting off to a strong start in 2024.429/.429/.571, three hits in seven at-bats, and one stolen base.
While it will be difficult to entirely replace Jung, who made the All-Star team last season, Duran possesses a skill that Jung lacks: speed.
Whether it’s swiping a base or beating out an infield hit, Duran will be given every chance to contribute as a starter for the Rangers over the next month or two as the defending World Series champions attempt to repeat in 2024.
Expect the 24-year-old to continue to establish a name for himself with his new position at third base.
