The Texas Rangers received positive news regarding Wyatt Langford and Josh Jung on Monday, though the team continues to monitor Corey Seager’s persistent back issues.
Wyatt Langford expressed optimism on Monday afternoon. If his progress continues favorably through Thursday, the Rangers plan to have him participate in live batting practice on Friday. Should that go well, he aims to begin a rehabilitation assignment on Saturday.
“I’m very ready,” he stated, eager for his return.
The Rangers outfielder has been sidelined since April 21, when he experienced discomfort in his right forearm during an at-bat, later identified as a strained flexor tendon. Although he believed he had recovered a week later, the same discomfort resurfaced on April 30 during his first at-bat in a game at the Rangers’ Arizona complex.
The team has adopted a more cautious approach to this second recovery period. Langford will likely require multiple games during his rehab assignment before being cleared to rejoin the Rangers’ active roster.
“I think you have to monitor it, make sure his legs are also underneath him, so when he comes back, he’s ready to play,” commented manager Skip Schumaker.
Schumaker also delivered encouraging news regarding Josh Jung’s left shoulder. Following a dive for a grounder on Saturday night, which caused the shoulder to flare up, the third baseman’s injury has been confirmed to have no structural damage. Jung could potentially return to the lineup as early as Tuesday.
Jung admitted initial apprehension about the shoulder, given it had undergone surgical repair in 2022 for a torn labrum just before spring training. However, unlike four years prior, Jung’s shoulder maintained a full range of motion Saturday night.
He successfully completed his usual fielding routine and hit off a batting tee without any issues on Monday.
“It’s the first time I felt anything in my shoulder since ’22, so I was a little scared,” Jung explained.
In contrast, the Rangers are still awaiting improvement in Corey Seager’s lower back discomfort. The shortstop is not expected to resume full baseball activities until next week, after an attempt on Friday did not yield positive results.
Schumaker refrained from labeling Seager’s current condition as a setback, noting simply that his back was not as prepared as the Rangers had anticipated, especially after he missed the entire nine-game road trip.
Another middle infielder, Josh Smith, might return to the ballpark within a few days, according to Schumaker, following his battle with viral meningitis. The Rangers remain uncertain about the exact recovery timeline for Smith.
