​The Texas Rangers will be without one of their hottest hitters for at least the next week after placing third baseman Josh Jung on the 10-day Injured List with a right calf strain before Friday’s game against the Seattle Mariners.To fill the vacancy on the active roster, the Rangers recalled utility infielder Josh Smith from Triple-A, giving the club another defensive option as it continues a pivotal stretch in the American League West race.Injury interrupts breakout campaignJung suffered the injury during Tuesday’s game against the Chicago White Sox. After delivering a base hit and eventually scoring in the third inning, he exited the contest and did not return.The Rangers monitored his progress throughout the week, hoping treatment and light running would allow him to avoid a trip to the Injured List. However, the calf failed to respond well enough for him to return to game action.According to the club, the hope is that Jung will only require the minimum stay on the Injured List, potentially putting him in a position to return during next weekend’s series against the Houston Astros if his recovery continues on schedule.The injury is particularly frustrating for Jung, who has battled numerous physical setbacks throughout his major-league career. Calf issues have surfaced before, including during the offseason, making this the latest obstacle in an otherwise outstanding season.Rangers transactions for Saturday:-3B Josh Jung placed on 10-day Injured List (left calf strain), retroactive to July 22-INF Josh Smith recalled from Round Rock (AAA)— Texas Rangers PR (@TXRangersPR) July 25, 2026Rangers lose one of their most productive batsThe timing could hardly be worse for Texas.The Rangers entered a four-game showdown with the Mariners holding a slim lead atop the AL West, making every game increasingly important as the postseason race intensifies.Jung has been one of the club’s most reliable offensive performers in 2026, posting a .294 batting average with a .361 on-base percentage and a .441 slugging percentage through 396 plate appearances.While his home run total sits at nine, Jung has made significant strides in other areas of his game. He has dramatically reduced his strikeout rate while improving his plate discipline, allowing him to become a much more consistent hitter and one of the Rangers’ most valuable everyday players.Josh Smith gets another opportunityWith Jung sidelined, Josh Smith returns to the major-league roster and immediately provides Texas with additional versatility around the infield.Smith has struggled offensively during limited opportunities this season and was previously optioned after failing to find consistency at the plate. His production at Triple-A has also been modest, making it unlikely that he can fully replace Jung’s offensive impact.Where Smith could make a difference is on defense.Throughout his major-league career, he has established himself as a dependable defender at third base, an area where Texas has exper