Texas Rangers hitters Josh Jung and Evan Carter are finally healthy after being sidelined by injuries last season. Jung fractured his right wrist in the fourth game of the season and underwent two surgeries, while Carter suffered a stress reaction in his back and was shut down for the remainder of the season.
The duo’s return to health has significant implications for the Rangers’ offense, which struggled with them on the mend. Without Jung, the team went 50-56, while without Carter, they were 55-62. Both players are now free from restrictions and are back to baseball activities, just in time for pitchers and catchers to report to spring training.
Jung is eager to prove himself and put behind his recurring trips to the injured list, which include a stress fracture, torn labrum, fractured thumb, and fractured wrist over the past four years. Carter has also had to navigate long-term shutdowns due to back injuries since being drafted in 2020.
“We’ve got to show up in bubble wrap for day one,” Jung joked about potentially needing more time to recover from his previous injuries. Both players have learned to dial it back and not push themselves too hard, as they discovered the hard way that can set them back by two weeks.
The Rangers’ lineup will greatly benefit from a healthy Jung and Carter, who are expected to fill key roles. Jung has a career .751 on base plus slugging percentage in the major leagues and fits nicely in the heart of the batting order, while Carter profiles well as a center fielder and potential successor to second baseman Marcus Semien at leadoff spot.
Their return also creates options for new additions like Jake Burger and Joc Pederson, who will give manager Bruce Bochy flexibility with his lineup. With Jung and Carter healthy, the Rangers’ offense looks set to be even more formidable this season.
Source: https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2025/01/18/josh-jung-and-evan-carter-are-healthy-can-the-texas-rangers-young-duo-stay-that-way