After the 2023 season, if you had told anyone who watches Major League Baseball that Josh Jung would be optioned to AAA just a year and a half later, they probably would have told you that you’re crazy.

However, that crazy fantasy has now become a reality after the Rangers optioned Josh Jung to AAA Round Rock before Wednesday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles.

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In 24 games during the month of June, Jung slashed just .158/.208/.221/.429 with only one home run and 12 RBI.

“I haven’t been very good,” Jung said before Monday night’s 10-6 extra innings loss to Baltimore. “It’s been the worst month ever. I’m just trying to stay in my daily routine and make adjustments. It’s a daily grind, a daily battle, but I’m doing everything I can. It’s frustrating, it’s hard, but this game isn’t easy, and it’s just me versus me right now”.

Now, the Rangers will look for Jung to make those adjustments with Round Rock, where, according to manager Bruce Bochy, he’ll have an easier time working on things.

“We’re hoping he can reset, reboot,” Bochy said. “When a guy gets a little lost at the plate, and I think that’s fair to say because he’s expanding more than we’ve ever seen, and it’s obvious he’s not quite seeing the ball as well. He’s got things to work on, and it’s tough to do it up here, so we want him to go down in a situation where he’s maybe a little more relaxed and he can work on some things whether it’s mechanics or on the mental side and when he gets right, it’s gonna make us a better club”.

Jung isn’t the first Ranger to use Round Rock as a reset button this season. Evan Carter started the season with the Express and is batting .283 since being recalled, and Jake Burger also had a brief stint in AAA earlier in the year and has looked much better since his recall as well.

Part of Jung’s adjustments will come from laying off the high, inside fastball, which opposing pitchers have been exploiting as a hole in his approach that has contributed to him finishing June with the lowest OPS and SLG amongst 191 qualifiers.

Regardless of how long it takes Jung to work out his struggles in the minors, one thing is for certain: he will still need to be a big part of the offensive attack if the Rangers want to climb into the thick of the postseason race.

“We need him,” Bochy simply put.