Jake Burger, the Texas Rangers first baseman, exited early during Sunday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays due to discomfort in his left wrist. Manager Bruce Bochy informed Dallas Morning News reporter Shawn McFarland that Burger will return to Arlington for scans and is expected to be sidelined for at least two to three days as a precaution.
This injury could mark Burger’s third placement on the injured list this season, with each occurrence stemming from a different ailment. Previously, Burger was placed on the 10-day injured list at the end of June after sustaining a left oblique strain, then activated on July 2. However, two weeks later, he was again sidelined with a left quadriceps injury before returning to the lineup on August 8.
Despite hopes that Burger would remain healthy after his most recent return, this latest wrist problem threatens to prolong his time away from the field, potentially impacting the Rangers’ already difficult season.
Struggles and Recent Improvement in Burger’s Performance
Originally from Missouri, Jake Burger joined the Rangers this season after being traded from the Miami Marlins last December. His performance this year has not met expectations, as he is posting career-low statistics. Overall, Burger’s batting line stands at .242/.275/.416, reflecting a challenging adjustment with his new team.
Nevertheless, in his last 15 games, Burger appeared to regain his form, improving to a .326/.356/.512 slash line, injecting much-needed momentum into a struggling Rangers offense. Before leaving Sunday’s game, he contributed with a 1-for-3 effort and an RBI, helping to stave off a series sweep against Toronto.
Texas Rangers Face Difficult Upcoming Schedule Without Burger
As the Rangers prepare to face the Kansas City Royals to conclude their road trip, they are bracing for a demanding stretch of 13 consecutive games without a day off. Following the Royals series, Texas will return home to host the Los Angeles Angels, finally earning a break after August 28.
With Burger’s probable absence due to the wrist injury, the Rangers will have to navigate this challenging schedule without one of their crucial offensive contributors. His injury compounds the team’s ongoing difficulties amid a season marked by multiple player setbacks.
Implications for the Rangers Moving Forward
Jake Burger’s recurring injuries raise concerns about his ability to provide consistent production during the remainder of the season. Each time he has returned from the injured list, the team has hoped to stabilize their offensive struggles, but new injuries have hindered that progress.
For a Texas Rangers squad already suffering from a prolonged losing streak—having dropped eight of their last ten games and failing to win a series while above .500—the loss of Burger may further complicate their efforts to regain momentum ahead of a critical late-season schedule.
Manager Bruce Bochy and the Rangers’ medical staff will closely monitor Burger’s wrist scans to determine the best course of action, but for now, the team faces a significant challenge without one of its key players during this pivotal stretch.