Seager, Jung 'ready to go' for Opening Day
ARLINGTON -- The Rangers were still sorting out their final Spring Training roster moves after the game Tuesday, but arguably the most important moves of the day happened earlier, when manager Bruce Bochy penciled Corey Seager and Josh Jung into the lineup and then substituted for them after six innings.
The left half of the Rangers’ infield -- both essential contributors to the club’s offense -- missed nearly all of Spring Training due to injuries, but Bochy was able to play them in each of the last three games, including Tuesday’s 4-1 loss to the Red Sox. Just as important as getting some game action was coming out of it unscathed.
“There’s a comfort there, no doubt, especially with the night game [Monday], day game today, six innings … they came out of it well,” Bochy said. “I’m very, very happy for these two, who have worked hard to get back. I think the whole club, we’re happy.”
When Bochy was asked about what he thought was the most meaningful unexpected event of the spring, he said it was having Seager and Jung back for Thursday’s opener against the Cubs.
“Probably as much as anything … that surprised me a little bit,” Bochy said. “I thought, 'Well, we’re going to have to slow-play it a little bit and they’ll be ready the first week or so,' but they’re showing now they’re ready to go.”
Third baseman Jung and shortstop Seager combined for 56 homers last season, even though they were limited to 122 and 119 games played, respectively, due to various injuries. They were both All-Stars and award candidates; Seager finished second in the American League MVP voting and Jung was fourth in the AL Rookie of the Year.
Seager had surgery for a sports hernia in late January and Jung strained his left calf during fielding exercises in mid-February at the beginning of Spring Training, before games had even started. Both infielders made their first spring appearance in the final game in Arizona on Saturday, and both played in the two exhibition games against the Red Sox at Globe Life Field.
Langford wraps up super spring
After going 2-for-3 with two doubles Tuesday, rookie Wyatt Langford ended Spring Training tied with two Boston players, Wilyer Abreu and Ceddanne Rafaela, for the Major League lead in spring at-bats (63). Langford batted .365, tops among all American Leaguers.
“This kid is a special talent … he’s just been a pleasure to watch,” Bochy said.
Gray scratched as a precaution
Rangers right-hander Jon Gray was scheduled to pitch Tuesday after starter Dane Dunning, but Bochy said Gray was scratched due to a stiff neck. He will instead throw a bullpen session on the off-day Wednesday. Gray made 29 starts for Texas last season, going 9-8 with a 4.12 ERA over 157 1/3 innings.