Rangers Place Jake Burger on 10-Day IL with Quad Strain, Eye Reinforcements at First Base
The Texas Rangers have placed first baseman Jake Burger on the 10-day injured list due to a left quad strain, retroactive to July 13. The move was made on Wednesday night to ensure Burger could return as soon as possible, potentially missing just five games if his recovery goes smoothly. He sustained the injury while running out a grounder during last Friday’s win over the Astros, staying in briefly before being removed. Although he made a pinch-hit appearance the next day, he sat out the series finale entirely.
With the team off until Friday, a corresponding roster move hasn’t been made yet but is expected ahead of their weekend series against the Tigers. Ezequiel Duran filled in at first base during the final two games in Houston, but the Rangers are thin on infield depth. Possible call-ups include Justin Foscue, Blaine Crim, or Josh Jung, though none are natural first basemen. Another option is Rowdy Tellez, who recently signed a minor league deal and has hit two home runs in four games with Triple-A Round Rock. Tellez would require a 40-man roster move, though Texas currently has an opening after recently cutting Billy McKinney.
Burger has struggled at the plate in his debut season with Texas, hitting just .228 with a .259 OBP despite 11 home runs. This is his second IL stint of the year, and his inconsistency could push GM Chris Young to target a more stable option at first base or designated hitter before the trade deadline.
In the meantime, Texas is left with a patchwork plan at a position that has offered little production all season.
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