Burger’s Return Reshapes Rangers’ First Base Plan
Jake Burger made his return to the Texas Rangers lineup on Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies, serving as the designated hitter. Manager Bruce Bochy gave him the DH role to ease him back after a strong 4-for-6 performance in a Triple-A rehab game. Burger is expected to start at first base on Saturday when the Rangers face left-hander Jesús Luzardo.
Burger will handle most first base starts going forward, his natural position. His activation, after missing 20 games with a left quad strain, led to outfielder Alejandro Osuna being optioned to Triple-A Round Rock.
In Burger’s absence, Josh Smith, Rowdy Tellez, Joc Pederson, and Ezequiel Duran filled in at first base. On Friday, Duran started against left-hander Cristopher Sanchez. While Tellez may see less playing time, Bochy still values his left-handed bat in certain matchups, and Pederson could also see occasional time at first.
The roster move leaves Texas with only three healthy everyday outfielders—Wyatt Langford, Sam Haggerty, and Adolis Garcia—making defensive versatility crucial. Smith and Duran are options to cover the outfield, especially with Evan Carter on the injured list. Bochy plans to give Smith some left field reps, potentially shifting Langford to center.
The Rangers will continue to mix and match depending on pitching matchups and schedule demands, but Burger’s return firmly re-establishes him as the team’s primary first baseman.