The Texas Rangers place Jake Burger on the IL on July 17, 2025, right before a crucial series against the MLB-best Detroit Tigers. Can they overcome the loss?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when you thought the Rangers were gearing up for one of their biggest series of the season, the injury bug bites again. The team announced Thursday that infielder Jake Burger has been placed on the Injured List, his second stint this season. The timing couldn't be worse, as the club prepares for a crucial three-game set against the Detroit Tigers, a team that, despite a recent four-game skid, still owns the best record in all of baseball.
The best team in baseball just lost four straight. Are they vulnerable, or are they angry? The Rangers are about to find out.
Here we go again. Seeing Jake Burger's name on the transaction wire headed to the IL is a frustratingly familiar sight for Rangers fans in 2025. While the team has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the injury, this second trip to the shelf raises concerns about Burger's durability this season. He provides valuable power from the corner infield spot, and his absence creates an immediate hole in the middle of the order that won't be easy to fill. For a player who brings so much energy, losing him right before a high-stakes series is a significant blow to the clubhouse.
The news comes as the Rangers prepare to host the Detroit Tigers, a team that has looked nearly unbeatable for most of the year. However, the Tigers limp into Arlington having lost four consecutive games. This presents a fascinating scenario. On one hand, it's the best possible time to play the league's top dog. On the other, a great team is never down for long, and they'll be desperate to right the ship against Texas. The Rangers will need to pounce early and test Detroit's confidence, but doing so without Burger's bat just got a lot harder.
With Burger out, all eyes turn to the depth chart. Who gets the call to man the hot corner? The team will need to decide whether to rely on internal utility options or make a corresponding roster move to bring up a fresh face. This isn't just a one-game patch; it's a solution that needs to hold up against one of the league's premier pitching staffs. The pressure will be on whoever fills Burger's shoes to not only handle the defensive responsibilities but also contribute offensively to a lineup that suddenly feels a little shorter.
The loss of Jake Burger is a gut punch, no question. But baseball waits for no one. This weekend's series against the Tigers has transformed from a simple measuring stick into a true test of the Rangers' depth and resilience. It's a chance for the 'next man up' to make a name for himself and for the team to prove they can hang with the league's elite, even when shorthanded. The stage is set for a dramatic weekend at the ballpark.
