Jung (calf) is starting at third base in Saturday's Cactus League game against the Royals.

EDGE Analysis

Jung hasn't played in a Cactus League game this spring after straining his left calf during fielding drills in February. He was able to serve as the designated hitter in a minor-league game Monday, and the Rangers seem to be comfortable testing his calf in the field Saturday. Assuming Jung avoids any setbacks and doesn't aggravate his calf during the game, he should be set to start at the hot corner on Opening Day.

Jung (calf) served as the designated hitter in a minor-league game Monday, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

In order to get as many at-bats as possible, Jung was the leadoff batter in every inning and went 2-for-4 with two singles. Texas manager Bruce Bochy is hopeful Jung will be ready to go by Opening Day and sees the third baseman playing in two exhibition game against the Red Sox at Globe Life Field on March 25-26. The manager has not ruled out a start in a Cactus League game before the Rangers break camp.

Jung (calf) is scheduled to take live batting practice Monday, Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

If Jung's strained left calf responds well to Monday's workout, manager Bruce Bochy said that the third baseman could be available to serve as a designated hitter in an "A" game at minor-league camp this weekend. Bochy has previously noted that Jung is trending toward a return to the big club's lineup for either or both of its final two exhibitions next Monday and Tuesday versus the Red Sox. If Jung is able to play the field for either of those contests without incident, he should avoid a stint on the injured list to begin the 2024 season.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said Monday that Jung (calf) is expected to play in the team's final two exhibition games March 25 and 26 versus the Red Sox at Globe Life Field, Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

If those two games wind up being the only two exhibition contests that Jung plays, it may not be sufficient enough for him to gain clearance for Opening Day on March 28 against the Cubs. However, the Rangers don't appear to have ruled out Jung being ready for the start of the regular season. Jung has been slowed by a left calf strain in camp, and while a recent MRI showed healing, he hasn't yet been cleared for running.

Jung underwent an MRI on Friday that showed improvement in his left calf, but not enough to ramp up his running program, Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

While his recovery has been trending in a mostly positive direction, Jung will not be upgraded to full activities anytime soon. He will be working within a tight window to make Opening Day. Jung slashed .266/.315/.467 for 23 home runs and 70 RBI over 515 plate appearances in 2023.

Jung (calf) will undergo an MRI on Friday and hopes to be cleared to resume running soon, Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The third baseman is three weeks removed from a left calf strain. Jung has already been performing all other baseball activities other than running and if his calf shows sufficient healing, he can progress to full activities. If that happens, a return to game action should be just around the corner, potentially giving him enough time to be ready for Opening Day.

Jung (calf) took live batting practice Monday and is scheduled to hit in a minor-league spring game Tuesday, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 26-year-old was cleared to resume baseball work over the weekend and has wasted little time ramping up his activities. Jung isn't yet running 100 percent but could soon serve as the designated hitter in Cactus League games.

Manager Bruce Bochy said Sunday that Jung (calf) has been cleared to resume baseball activities, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 26-year-old has been sidelined since he suffered a left calf strain in mid-February, but he's now ready for baseball work and is taking swings in the batting cage Sunday. Jung should ramp up his activities over the next week and could make his spring debut before too long if he has no further issues with his calf.

Jung was diagnosed with a strained left calf Saturday, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Jung reported discomfort in his calf while fielding grounders Friday, and he is now set to miss at least two or three weeks before the team re-evaluates him. At that point, a better picture regarding Jung's status for Opening Day should be available.

Jung felt discomfort in his left calf while fielding groundballs Friday, Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Jung will undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the injury. Corey Seager is already a question mark for Opening Day following sports hernia surgery, so the left side of the Rangers' infield could be further depleted. Jung finished fourth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting in 2023 after slashing .266/.315/.467 with 23 home runs over 122 games.