Full Breakdown
Texas Rangers Place Josh Jung on 10-Day Injured List, Recall Josh Smith
7/26/2026, 11:36:09 AM
Core Event
On July 25, 2026, the American League West-leading Texas Rangers placed starting third baseman Josh Jung on the 10-day injured list (IL) with a left calf strain, retroactive to the preceding Wednesday. In the same transaction, the club recalled infielder Josh Smith from Triple-A Round Rock to fill the roster spot.
Background & Context
Jung, the Rangers’ leading hitter this season, has been a key offensive contributor since being drafted eighth overall in 2019. Prior to the injury, he was tied for third in the American League with a .294 batting average. His health has been a recurring concern; earlier in the season he missed time due to viral meningitis, but he has otherwise remained productive. The Rangers entered the series against the Seattle Mariners holding a narrow division lead, making roster stability critical.
Timeline of Injury and Roster Move
- Tuesday: Jung exited the game against the Chicago White Sox after three innings because of a left calf issue.
- Wednesday: Team medical staff confirmed a calf strain; the injury was initially expected to be minor.
- Friday: Manager Skip Schumaker removed Jung from the lineup after observing him run at roughly half speed earlier that day.
- Saturday, July 25, 2026: Jung was placed on the 10-day IL; Smith was recalled from Triple-A to assume the third-base role.
Player Performance Data
- Josh Jung (28) – In 92 games this season, he is batting .294 with nine home runs and 35 RBIs. His career line with Texas includes a .264 average, 58 home runs and 196 RBIs over 417 games.
- Josh Smith (28) – In 40 games this season, he is hitting .230 with one run and eight RBIs. Over his tenure with Texas, he has posted a .236 average with 32 homers and 136 RBIs in 496 games.
Official Statements & Responses
Manager Skip Schumaker explained that Jung was scratched from the Friday lineup after Schumaker observed the reduced running speed, and the same observation led to the IL designation on Saturday. The Rangers emphasized that the move ensures a full bench for the upcoming series against the Mariners.
Impact on Division Race
The Rangers, sitting at 52-51, face the Mariners (51-53) in a nationally televised game. Without Jung, the club relies on Smith at third base and hopes to maintain its division lead. A win would extend the Rangers’ lead to 2.5 games, while a loss could narrow the margin and allow the Astros (51-54) to close in.
What’s Next
Jung will be eligible to return after the ten-day IL period expires, at which point the Rangers can reassess their third-base options for the remainder of the season.
