The Texas Rangers will be without second baseman Josh Smith for at least a week after he was hospitalized with viral meningitis. Smith is currently receiving treatment at a Dallas-area hospital and is expected to make a full recovery within 7 to 10 days, according to the Associated Press.
Health First
Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young emphasized that the organization's primary concern is Smith's well-being. 'Our only concern right now is Josh's health,' Young said. 'This is obviously an unexpected illness, but we hope to see him return to full health and rejoin the club very soon.'
Smith visited a doctor on Wednesday after feeling unwell while rehabbing a glute strain and wrist inflammation. Tests confirmed the viral meningitis diagnosis. Meningitis is a swelling of the protective lining of the brain and spinal cord, often caused by a viral infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Recovery Timeline
Smith had been on the 10-day injured list prior to his hospital visit. The 28-year-old has been dealing with a right glute strain and left wrist inflammation during his rehab. A return-to-play plan has not yet been established and will be determined once Smith resumes physical activity.
Smith has struggled at the plate this season, batting just .217 with no home runs and only six RBIs. He took over second base after Marcus Semien was traded to the New York Mets in the offseason. The Louisiana native has recorded only two extra-base hits in the campaign.
