Arlington, Texas, August 20, 2025
News Summary
Texas Rangers’ third baseman Josh Jung has been benched for a third consecutive game due to performance issues rather than injury. Manager Bruce Bochy stated that Jung’s return to the lineup hinges on his ability to adapt his approach at the plate. The team faces offensive struggles, and Jung’s inconsistency may impact roster decisions as the season progresses.
Arlington, Texas
Lead
The Texas Rangers have sidelined third baseman Josh Jung for a third consecutive game as the team enters a pivotal week for its playoff push. The move reflects performance concerns rather than injury, with the Rangers’ leadership making clear that Jung must change his approach at the plate to regain a consistent role in the lineup.
Key developments
Manager Bruce Bochy indicated the situation is contingent on Jung making adjustments to improve consistency and plate discipline. Jung is expected back in the starting lineup on Wednesday only if he shows willingness to adapt to coaching direction. The decision to bench Jung comes amid broader offensive struggles for the Rangers and creates a crossroads for a player whose career trajectory has not met expectations set after the 2023 World Series.
Immediate impact on roster and playing time
Jung has been optioned to the minors earlier this season and returned without establishing stable production. With competition increasing from teammates such as Josh Smith, Jung’s path back to everyday at-bats is uncertain. The club’s upcoming roster decisions, including those to be made this winter, will be influenced by whether Jung can rebound and embrace the adjustments requested by the coaching staff.
Performance data and trends
Statistical trends highlight the performance issues prompting the current benching. Jung’s June performance precipitated a demotion after he produced a .164/.205/.216 slash line for that month. Across the season, he has displayed extreme volatility: at one point slashing .382/.447/.647 over a 10-game stretch, only to follow with a .143/.189/.200 line across the subsequent 10 games. Year-over-year metrics also point to decline, with on-base percentage dropping from .266 in 2023 to a .667 OPS so far in 2025.
Plate-discipline indicators are concerning. Jung’s swing rate at pitches outside the strike zone has increased, suggesting he is chasing more and getting into unfavorable counts. His effectiveness with two strikes has been especially problematic: he ranks 178th out of 223 players for on-base percentage with two strikes and has hit just .120 in two-strike situations this season. Those numbers point to a reduced ability to perform under pressure and to extend at-bats.
Recent game actions and managerial choices
In a recent critical matchup, Jung was asked to pinch hit against a left-handed pitcher and produced a ground out. Managerial decisions since have prioritized lineup consistency and approach at the plate, with the club signaling that readiness to change will determine Jung’s next opportunities. The benching is framed as a corrective measure rather than a disciplinary one, intended to prompt adjustments rather than punish behavior.
Organizational perspective and player outlook
The Rangers’ president of baseball operations, Chris Young, has linked Jung’s struggles to volatility and a lack of consistent discipline at the plate. Jung has acknowledged philosophical differences with the coaching staff regarding hitting approach but has not provided specifics. Reports on his mindset describe it as fragile, and Jung has declined to elaborate publicly on those issues, leaving the club to manage the situation internally.
Injury history and durability concerns
While the current benching is performance-related, Jung’s durability remains an underlying concern. Since being drafted in 2019, Jung has missed time due to multiple injuries and surgeries, including treatment for a stress fracture in his foot, a torn labrum in his shoulder, and a fractured wrist. Those past health issues contribute to uncertainty about his long-term availability and performance ceiling.
Wider team context
The Rangers are seeking lineup stability as they pursue postseason goals, and Jung’s ability to respond will factor into immediate lineup configurations and offseason planning. Team leadership has stressed that roster decisions this winter will be influenced by whether players like Jung can demonstrate improved plate discipline and consistent offensive contribution.
FAQ
Why is Josh Jung sitting out?
Jung is sidelined for performance reasons as the club looks for improved consistency and plate discipline. The benching is intended as a prompt for adjustments rather than a response to injury.
When will Jung return to the lineup?
The manager has indicated Jung could start on Wednesday, conditional on his willingness to adapt his approach at the plate and follow coaching guidance.
Is Jung’s problem mostly injury-related?
No. The current absence is based on offensive struggles. However, Jung’s past injuries and surgeries are cited as background factors affecting his overall durability and development.
How has Jung performed this season?
Jung’s season has been inconsistent, featuring brief hot streaks and extended cold stretches. June produced a .164/.205/.216 line, and season metrics show a decline in on-base ability and OPS compared with previous years.
What specific issues does the team see in his game?
The organization points to increased chasing of pitches outside the zone, poor two-strike performance (hitting .120), and an overall lack of consistent discipline and approach as primary concerns.
Could Jung lose his spot long term?
Yes. Continued inconsistency would factor into offseason roster decisions and could jeopardize Jung’s place in the lineup if other players maintain stronger performance.
Key performance summary
| Feature | Value | Visual |
|---|---|---|
| June slash line | .164/.205/.216 | |
| Hot 10-game stretch | .382/.447/.647 | |
| Cold 10-game stretch | .143/.189/.200 | |
| Two-strike batting average | .120 | |
| OBP rank with two strikes | 178 of 223 | |
| OPS trend | .667 in 2025 (decline from 2023) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Dallas News: Rangers Bench Josh Jung
- Dallas News: Jung’s Role with the Rangers
- Reuters: MLB Roundup – Rangers vs Yankees
- Wikipedia: Josh Jung
- Google Search: Josh Jung Texas Rangers
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
