Tigers third baseman Jace Jung underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his right wrist in October, the team announced this evening. The talented infielder has already begun a hitting program and is expected to be full go for Spring Training.
Jung is the in-house favorite for Detroit’s third base job. The Tigers have been frequently connected to Alex Bregman, largely because of the history with manager A.J. Hinch, but there’s no indication they’re willing to make that level of long-term commitment. Jung’s minor surgery isn’t going to have any impact on a potential Bregman pursuit, of course. Assuming he recovers as expected, he’s on track to vie with Matt Vierling and Andy Ibáñez for playing time.
A former 12th overall pick, Jung made his MLB debut late in the season. He appeared in 34 games, hitting .241/.362/.304 without a home run through 94 trips to the plate. The lefty-hitting Jung had a strong year in Triple-A. Over 91 games, he hit .257/.377/.454 with 14 longballs and an excellent 16.1% walk rate.
In another development on the Detroit infield, Cody Stavenhagen of the Athletic tweets that Colt Keith and Justyn-Henry Malloy will take offseason reps at first base. Keith is expected to remain the team’s primary second baseman, as the measure is simply designed to increase his versatility on the right side of the infield.
It could be a more consequential development for Malloy, who has always been a promising hitter without a defensive home. Malloy worked in the corner outfield or at designated hitter as a rookie. He played third base in the minors through 2023 but was panned by scouts for his glove. Malloy logged a little bit of first base action in college but hasn’t played there professionally. Former first overall pick Spencer Torkelson could have a tenuous hold on the starting job. Detroit is reportedly among the teams that have been in contact with Paul Goldschmidt as they look for a right-handed bat this winter.
right wrist surgery?
is that why he sucked balls when he was called up to the majors?
Malloy getting a shot at first? It’s about time they figured out that might be the only place he has a chance to stick.
Yes
Was his wrist messed up down the stretch? That would explain why he looked so weak. Because he looked like he was swinging a wet paper bag at the plate.
Love seeing that about Colt & J-Hen taking reps at 1B. That makes sense – finally. J-Hen could improve his versatility. But it also could be Colt’s future position with McGonigle & Rainer on the way.
Or it could mean they are going to take a real run at Kim while showing Tork that he is on a very short leash.
Very interesting on JHM.
A lot of interesting information in this little article.
What are the odds Tork is still on the Tigers roster by the end of next season? Less than 50%?
Much less
I would say it all depends on the work he’s put in this offseason and if that huge hole in his swing is gone. You don’t give up on someone that has already hit 30 HRs in a season at his age without exhausting every possible avenue.
Wrist Surgery was the reason Tommy Edman couldn’t play the first half of the season with the Cardinals in ‘24.
Because Edman couldn’t play for the Cardinals the first half —- the Cardinals outstanding president of baseball operations, John Mozeliak, traded Edman to the Dodgers for a third tier, losing pitcher who pitched for the White Sox — who lost 121 games last season.
After being traded to the Dodgers — Edman won the MVP of the National League Championship Series and a World Series Ring with the Dodgers!!! (Strictly because of John Mozeliak’s poor Judgement!!)
Saying all of that to say this!!!
Someone needs to sign this player if they want to win a World Series!!!!!
I’d say 75%.
Jurickson Profar is a guy I wouldn’t hate the Tigers picking up. He’s a reliable vet who can play IF/OF.
Profar is a future Mariner or Ray. Mark it down.
What is it with the Jung’s and their wrist’s?
My thought exactly.
Came here to say this. Family hereditary problem with the hands.
I saw Jung bat in person and his wrists were bent in an odd way that it seemed impossible for him to hit anything over the outfield wall.
I wonder if that unorthodox batting style contributed to his wrist injury.