Texas Rangers injuries: Corey Seager takes live BP, Josh Jung appears in game

SURPRISE, Ariz. — The final week push has begun for the Texas Rangers.

On Monday morning, Corey Seager took live batting practice for the first time since having a sports hernia repaired in January. Monday afternoon, Josh Jung played in a game for the first time since straining a calf the first time he took the field this spring. The Rangers are optimistic both will be in the starting lineup March 28 for the season opener against the Chicago Cubs.

Jung was 2-for-4 with a pair of singles as the DH in a minor league game.

Jung was happy with his own day, but more ebullient bout Seager’s. They took live batting practice together off Josh Sborz.

“He did what Corey Seager does,” Jung said. “He hit the ball hard and firm.”

Of his own day, Jung sounded more relieved than excited. He had shown some frustration in the last week as he tried to find the timing on his swing in the cages and in live batting practice.

“I was very happy with my plate appearances,” he said. “I hit some balls hard. That’s good. You love that confidence boost.”

Also, he ran “about 85%” to first base on his two singles. The calf muscle injury can be a tricky one because it can feel fine when swinging but can bite when a player tries to push off out of the batters’ box. This is one reason the Rangers have kept him from pushing too hard.

“I think I’m pretty much at that point where I’m not thinking about it anymore,” Jung said.

Jung is expected to DH in minor league games again on Tuesday and Wednesday. The club is off Thursday. He could potentially DH in “A” games on the last two days in Arizona, then play the field for the Rangers’ exhibitions against Boston March 25-26 at Globe Life Field.

Twitter: @Evan_P_Grant

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