Rangers' Burger exits after hit by pitch, X-rays negative

ARLINGTON, Texas — Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger left Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Angels after being hit on the left wrist by a pitch in the third inning. The initial results were encouraging: X-rays came back negative, according to the Rangers, who relayed to reporters that Burger had a left wrist contusion.

The play happened on a 95-mph sinker from Angels starter Ryan Johnson. Burger fell to the ground in pain, holding his left hand and wrist with his right hand. Rangers manager Skip Schumaker and a trainer came to check on him before Burger took first base and remained in the game.

Burger played the field in the fourth inning but did not return for the fifth, replaced by Nicky Lopez. The defensive shuffle that followed saw Ezequiel Duran move from third to first, Cody Freeman shift from second to third, and Lopez enter at second.

"It got him good," Schumaker said. "He's pretty swollen, pretty sore. So far, the X-rays are negative, but we'll probably get more scans, and he'll see the doctor later tonight. It squared him up pretty good. It was pretty scary."

Injury clouds solid season

The injury comes at a delicate time for the Rangers, who fell 3-0 to the Angels on Saturday. While Burger's performance has been inconsistent this year, he has been a constant presence, leading the team with 73 RBIs and playing in his 123rd game of the season, second most in the majors.

Burger entered Saturday's game with a .235/.297/.416 line, 21 home runs, and 73 RBIs. His durability has been a bright spot for Texas, which has dealt with injuries across the roster.

Depth options at first

If Burger misses time, the Rangers have several internal candidates to fill in at first base. Joc Pederson has played eight games there this season, while Justin Foscue has appeared in five and Ezequiel Duran has one game of experience at the position.

Duran, however, has been manning third base with Josh Jung on the injured list with a strained left calf. Duran also played left field twice this week when the Rangers gave Wyatt Langford two days at designated hitter.

Schumaker and the coaching staff will have a decision to make if Burger is unavailable for an extended period. The lineup could see Pederson shift to first, opening up designated hitter at-bats, or Duran could slide over to first with Cody Freeman taking over at third. Another option would see Nicky Lopez or Justin Foscue see more playing time in the middle infield.

Outlook

The Rangers will await further evaluation of Burger's wrist, with additional scans expected. The team will look to avoid a lengthy absence for a player who has been a steady presence in the middle of their order.

Burger was hit on the left wrist by a 95-mph sinker from Los Angeles' Ryan Johnson in the third inning. He remained in the game for a defensive inning before exiting after the fourth. The team announced he has a left wrist contusion, and X-rays are negative.

Schumaker told reporters after the game that the team will know more in the coming days. With the season entering the stretch run, Texas will hope for good news on their first baseman's recovery.

The Rangers continue their series against the Angels on Sunday.