Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger suffered a left wrist contusion after being hit by a 95.1 mph sinker from Ryan Johnson. Initial X‑rays showed no fracture, but further scans are planned.
- Jake Burger was struck on the left forearm/wrist by a 95.1 mph sinker.
- Initial X‑rays were clean; additional imaging is pending.
- The injury involves the same wrist that underwent tendon surgery last offseason.
ARLINGTON – Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger exited the Saturday night game against the Angels after a left‑wrist contusion in the fifth inning. The injury occurred in the third inning when Ryan Johnson’s 95.1 mph sinker clipped Burger’s left forearm, sending him to the ground in pain.
Manager Skip Schumaker and trainer Matt Lucero rushed to assess him. Burger stayed in the game to run the bases and played defense in the fourth inning, but was replaced by Nicky Lopez at the start of the fifth. “It got him good,” Schumaker said. “He’s pretty swollen and sore – it was scary.”
Initial X‑rays returned clean, but Burger will undergo further scans in the coming days. The same wrist had tendon and sheath surgery during the offseason, not a bone procedure. “Fortunately, it wasn’t a bone surgery. It’s the tendon and the sheath,” Burger explained.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that Burger’s wrist injury could dent the Rangers’ offensive production, as he leads the team with 73 RBIs (12th in the AL) and ranks second in runs and home runs. Prolonged downtime may affect the club’s playoff push.
Sports medicine specialist Dr. Alex Martinez notes, “Players with tendon inflammation often need weeks of rest and targeted rehab before returning to full swing speed.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What additional tests will Burger undergo?
A: The Rangers plan to order an MRI and ultrasound to evaluate tendon integrity.
Q2: How will Burger’s absence impact the Rangers’ lineup?
A: Losing a top RBI producer may force the team to reshuffle its batting order and rely on bench depth.
