Jung, Heim continue to boost All-Star credentials

ARLINGTON -- When the 2023 All-Star Game voting updates came out on Monday, two Rangers were ranked second at their respective positions: catcher Jonah Heim and rookie third baseman Josh Jung.

On Saturday afternoon, Jung and Heim added to their All-Star resumes, powering the Rangers to a 4-2 win over the Blue Jays at Globe Life Field by launching back-to-back homers in the second inning that gave the club a lead it never relinquished. It was the third time this season that a pair of Texas hitters have hit back-to-back homers.

“That's pretty cool,” Jung said of the back-to-back homers. “It hasn't happened to me a ton this season, but it's pretty cool, because it's just like two big blows in a row for the opposing team, and especially the opposing pitcher. That can kind of hurt you when you give up a lead like that. “

Jung narrowly missed another homer two innings later, as he launched a long fly ball down the right-field line. It was initially ruled a home run before it was overturned on review, going just to the right of the foul pole. Jung ultimately drew a walk.

Corey Seager -- who was also second in All-Star voting at shortstop -- did add another Rangers homer, though, hitting a Statcast-projected 418-foot shot in the seventh inning to extend the Rangers’ lead.

The Rangers’ offense has struggled all homestand, especially with runners in scoring position. Texas went 0-for-5 in those situations on Saturday, moving to 0-for-its-last-21 dating back to Thursday against the Angels.

Those struggles weren’t as amplified when the three homers made the difference in the win.

“I thought we had some really good at-bats,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “I thought we were patient, we didn’t expand the zone. We got a lot of pitches out of their staff, and the guys did a great job. To go through a little rut there, where we're not getting the big hit with runners on well, you’re hoping you get the long ball. That's what happened today. It's a good win for us. It's kind of been bumpy here lately, but a good win for the boys.”

Heim’s solo home run gave him a career-high-tying 48 RBIs this season, which leads all MLB catchers. He also entered the day ranking among the American League leaders in a number of other offensive categories at the position, including slugging (second, .446), wRC+ (third, 114) and fWAR (second, 2.3).

Heim said that, for what it’s worth, he’s not worried about any outside accolades, which includes the All-Star Game. He just wants to show up every day and help the team win. He has done that and more, according to Bochy.

“It's hard to put a value on [Heim],” Bochy said. “I don't know how to measure it, but I will say that we're fortunate to have Jonah here. He does a great job handling the pitchers. He's got to hit six in the order. He's had a good year offensively. He’s just a guy that is very good both ways. That's invaluable for our ballclub.”

Jung -- who trails Toronto’s Matt Chapman in All-Star voting -- tied Arizona’s Corbin Carroll on the rookie home run leaderboard with 14 while also sitting second among Rangers hitters. His homers are tied for the third most by a Rangers rookie prior to the All-Star break (22 by Adolis García in 2021, 16 by Pete Incaviglia in 1986, 14 by Mark Teixeira in 2003).

The AL Rookie of the Month in both April and May, Jung has become an integral part of the Rangers’ offense, batting sandwiched between García and Heim almost all season. He has risen to the occasion, becoming one of the best all-around third basemen in the league.

“He's so fun to watch, with the energy he plays with and how good he is on both sides and the plays he makes,” Bochy said. “It's just good to see. And it's not so much his progress because he's been this good since Spring Training, since day one. He's just such a big part of our lineup batting fifth in the order, so I'm really happy for him.”