Tuesday Newsletter time: Josh Jung is in a sling, but in good spirits at Rangers minor-league camp
Texas' No. 2 prospect underwent surgery on his left shoulder Feb. 23 but is making his presence known.
SURPRISE, Ariz. — As is always the case at the Surprise Recreation Campus, there is a group of players in the rehab process doing their own thing while the healthy players do theirs.
Josh Jung will soon be joining the rehab crew.
The third baseman, the Texas Rangers’ No.2 prospect, is nearly two weeks removed from surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He returned to Arizona on Sunday in time for the first day of minor-league spring training.
The Rangers said Feb. 23 that Jung would likely miss six months but should be able to log some at-bats this season.
The injured shoulder is being protected by a massive sling that holds his arm in place near his hip. Jung said he has to wear it for two more weeks, and then for two weeks after that when around large crowds.
He’s not quite ready to talk formally to the media, and it’s not like he’s going anywhere. But he was present on a few different back fields Monday, with much of his time spent talking to whichever Rangers personnel would lend him their ear.
Jung spent time talking to fellow prospect Justin Foscue, who is nursing a sore lower back and is taking a few days off. Foscue also watched the workout and did some shagging in the outfield.
Labor update
News broke Monday night around dinnertime that the owners and players met earlier in the day via Zoom and phone calls, and that the owners have included a 162-game season with full pay and service time in their new proposal for a new collective bargaining agreement.
MLB reportedly will say it is the final chance at a full season and that if the offer is rejected, more games will be canceled. ESPN reported that players would report to big-league spring training Friday if a deal is reached.
The owners also reportedly climbed $8 million on the competitive-balance tax to $228 million and finish at $238 million, where the union has been starting its CBT proposals. Oh, but sources told Evan Drellich of the Athletic that major strings are attached.
Strings, like on the world’s tiniest violin?
Just get it done already.
Busy Tuesday on the mound
Not a ton of pitchers needed work Monday. They all played catch and/or threw off flat ground, but only a handful of guys threw bullpen sessions or live batting practice.
That will change Tuesday.
The six-pack bullpen will be packed, with, among others, Jack Leiter throwing his side. Cody Bradford, Cole Ragans, Matt Bush and Ryan Garcia are among the many other notable pitchers who will be getting in their work.
Garcia, the 2019 second-round pick who has dealt with injuries the past two seasons, will be throwing his second full-go side session since being cleared.
Right-hander Cole Winn was scheduled to throw, but he is out with the flu.
The Newsletter’s goal is go get as much of them throwing on video as possible. Check out the Texas Rangers Baseball Podcast YouTube channel to see what we come up with, and then subscribe for free.
Doggy video!
Like hitting a tree with your tee shot and getting the kick into the fairway. Enjoy. See you Wednesday.
