Josh Jung Left Game After Being Hit by Pitch
The third baseman departed in Arlington after a 94.6 mph fastball struck his right hand.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Baseball
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Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung left a game against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday after suffering an apparent right hand injury. He was struck by a 94.6 mph pitch and subsequently underwent X-rays to determine the severity of the damage.
Why it matters
Jung had been a major offensive catalyst for the Rangers since his return from an earlier injury, and his absence complicates the team's late-season roster configuration. He has maintained a .341 batting average over the last two weeks, making him a critical component of the lineup.
Jung has recorded a .299 batting average and 12 home runs over 104 games this season. Since returning from the injured list on September 12, he has produced a .341 average at the plate.
The players
Josh Jung
He is a third baseman for the Texas Rangers who previously missed significant time during the 2026 season due to a calf injury.
Alejandro Osuna
He is a professional baseball player who replaced Jung in the batting order during the third inning.
Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are a Major League Baseball team that competed against the Rangers in the game where the injury occurred.
The details
Alejandro Osuna pinch-hit for Jung in the third inning after the injury occurred during an at-bat. Jung had already scored a run in the contest before he was removed from the game for further evaluation.
Timeline
September 12, 2026: Josh Jung was activated from the injured list.
September 25, 2026: Josh Jung was hit by a pitch during the game against the Minnesota Twins.
Season Trajectory
This injury impacts the Rangers' offensive depth as the team navigates the final stretch of the season. It disrupts the established lineup rotation and forces the organization to recalibrate its defensive and batting strategies without their primary third baseman.
Fantasy managers and Rangers fans should note that Jung’s batting average since mid-September had risen to .341, indicating a high-impact loss for the lineup. The team must now adjust its rotation to account for the gap at third base left by his departure.
The takeaway
Sudden injuries during the final weeks of the season frequently force managers to rely on depth players who have had limited exposure in the batting order. Staying updated on daily lineup changes is essential for evaluating team performance during the conclusion of the schedule.
Further reading
For more updates on player health and team performance, visit our Baseball section.
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