The Texas Rangers have placed first baseman Jake Burger on the 10-day injured list retroactive to July 13 due to a left quad strain. Burger suffered the injury last Friday while running out a ground ball during their win against the Houston Astros. The team announced the move ahead of their weekend series against the Detroit Tigers, with a corresponding roster decision expected on Friday when play resumes.
Since injured list placements can only be backdated by three days, the Rangers moved Burger to the IL tonight rather than waiting. Burger last appeared in a game on July 12 and is projected to miss at least five games if his recovery proceeds on a minimal timeline. After the injury, he stayed in for one more defensive inning before being substituted out, made a pinch-hit appearance the following game, and sat out the series finale.
First Base Backup Options Become Crucial Amid Burger’s Absence
With Burger sidelined, Ezequiel Duran has been filling the first base role for the last two games against Houston. Duran remains the only backup infielder on the active roster, highlighting the Rangers’ thin depth at this position. To cover the gap, the team could call up Justin Foscue, Blaine Crim, or Josh Jung, each offering varied experience levels.
Another candidate is Rowdy Tellez, who signed a minor league contract with the Rangers on July 5. Tellez has appeared in four games with Triple-A Round Rock, batting 5-for-15 with a pair of home runs. For Tellez to join the major league club, the Rangers would need to add him to the 40-man roster. Fortunately, there is a vacancy following the recent waiver of Billy McKinney, potentially enabling Tellez’s promotion.
First Base Spot Remains a Key Focus for Rangers’ Front Office
General Manager Chris Young and his staff are under pressure to address first base depth as Burger remains out. Acquired from the Miami Marlins during the offseason, Burger was expected to anchor the position after the trade that sent Nathaniel Lowe away. Although Burger has hit 11 home runs, his batting average stands at a disappointing .228 with a .259 on-base percentage this season. This marks his second stint on the injured list in 2024.
Even with a possible quick return, Burger’s struggles with the bat and previous injury issues have made the Rangers evaluate alternative options. The designated hitter spot has also failed to produce consistent results, opening the door for Burger to potentially contribute there if he loses time at first base.
Analyzing Potential Infield Call-Ups and Their Limitations
Duran is batting just .150 with no homers in 90 plate appearances, underscoring the team’s back-up challenges. Both Foscue and Crim have limited major league exposure, combining for 23 career appearances. Crim has performed well at Triple-A Round Rock this year, but at 28 years old in his third full Triple-A season, questions remain about his long-term upside.
Tellez’s major league numbers for the Seattle Mariners earlier this year included a .208 batting average with a slugging percentage of .434 across 185 plate appearances before Seattle released him last month. His left-handed bat could complement the Rangers’ infield out of necessity.
Josh Jung, optioned to the minors two weeks ago after a difficult June, has only played seven Triple-A games with unremarkable production so far. As Jung lacks first base experience, calling him up would likely mean shifting third baseman Josh Smith back across the infield during Burger’s absence.
Implications for the Rangers and What Lies Ahead
The Rangers are now grappling with limited depth at first base as Jake Burger recovers from his left quad strain. Their upcoming roster choices will be crucial to maintaining competitiveness during his absence, especially given the offensive struggles seen thus far. The team’s willingness to explore multiple options, including minor league signings and positional switches, reflects the urgency felt within the organization.
Chris Young and his staff will likely continue monitoring Burger’s progress closely while evaluating short-term roster flexibility. The performance of potential call-ups like Tellez, Crim, and Foscue could directly impact the team’s options, making the next two weeks pivotal for the Rangers’ infield stability and offensive output.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Jake Burger married?
A. Jake Burger, who is 29 years old, truly enjoys being a dad. He and his wife, Ashlyn, have two children. They have a son named Brooks and a daughter named Penelope. Penelope was born on October 25, 2024, and has Down syndrome.
Q. What is Jake Burger’s personal life?
A. Burger and his wife, Ashlyn, are parents to two children: Brooks and a baby girl, Penelope. Penelope was born with Down syndrome on October 25, 2024. “Being a dad is the best job ever,” said Burger. “Brooks’ birth went perfectly.”
Q. What is Jake Burger’s religion?
A. Burger is married to Ashlyn. They have two children: a son and a daughter. Their daughter was born with Down Syndrome. Burger follows the Catholic faith.