In the game against the Miami Marlins on Sunday, Josh Jung, the third baseman for Texas Rangers, suffered a fractured left thumb while attempting to field a line drive hit by Jorge Soler in the fifth inning.

Initially, the Rangers’ official statement during the game indicated that Jung had suffered a contusion on his left thumb and was undergoing evaluation. However, subsequent X-rays conducted under the guidance of manager Bruce Bochy confirmed a fracture.

“That’s all I can give you right now and he’ll see a specialist and see where we’re at,” Bochy said after the 6-0 win. “We just don’t know yet.”

A comprehensive assessment by the specialist will offer more insights into the extent of the injury and an estimated recovery timeline for Jung.

In response to Jung’s departure, the team reshuffled its defensive positions, moving Josh Smith, initially at shortstop, to third base, and bringing Ezequiel Duran in as shortstop. Notably, Corey Seager had been given a rest day.

During the incident, with no outs in the fifth inning and two runners on base, Jorge Soler hit a powerful line drive towards Jung at third base. Although the catch was feasible, Jung managed only to knock the ball down. The impact speed of Soler’s line drive measured an astonishing 109.4 mph.

Fortunately, Jung recovered the ball in front of him and executed a double play by stepping on third base to force an out, then relaying it to Marcus Semien at second base for the second out.

However, this play seemed to take a toll on Jung. Following a single by Miami’s Josh Bell, Bochy decided to replace starting pitcher Andrew Heaney with reliever Chris Stratton. It was during this interval that Jung engaged with team trainer Matt Lucero.

In a replay from the broadcast, viewers could observe Jung demonstrating to Semien how the force of the ball had caused his glove to bend backward, possibly affecting his wrist.

Shortly after this exchange, Jung and Lucero left the field.

Throughout the game, Jung went 0-for-2 with a strikeout.

Jung had an impressive performance during the homestand, boasting a batting average of .353 with two home runs and six RBI in five games, all played in August.

Jung has garnered attention as a potential candidate for the American League Rookie of the Year award and currently tops the rookie charts in home runs.

Losing a key player is never a good thing, and Jung’s injury happening after the trade deadline makes it even harder for the Rangers to find a suitable replacement or backup.