Rangers 2B Josh Smith diagnosed with viral meningitis, expected to be hospitalized at least a week, team says
The 28-year-old Smith has been on the injured list with a right glute strain since May 4.
Texas Rangers second baseman Josh Smith has been diagnosed with viral meningitis and is expected to be hospitalized for at least a week, the team announced Friday . Smith, 28, is receiving treatment at a Dallas-area hospital. He’ll stay there until he’s fully recovered, per the team, which projects a 7-10 day timeline.
Viral meningitis, according to the CDC , is the most common type of meningitis, which is the swelling of the protective lining of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by a viral infection, and common symptoms include a fever, headache and stiff neck, although others — such as nausea, vomiting and even an altered mental state — can occur, too. The Rangers, per The Associated Press , said Smith saw a doctor on Wednesday after feeling under the weather.
“Our only concern right now is Josh’s health,” president of baseball operations Chris Young said, via the AP. “This is obviously an unexpected illness, but we hope to see him return to full health and rejoin the club very soon. ” Smith was drafted by the New York Yankees in the second round in 2019.
The LSU product has been with the Rangers since July 2021. He made his MLB debut with the team in 2022, and he was part of the 2023 squad that won the franchise’s first World Series. He’s played a larger role in the years since, though.