Texas Rangers infielder Josh Smith is receiving medical treatment for viral meningitis at a hospital in the Dallas area, according to a team announcement.
The 28-year-old player began experiencing symptoms earlier this week and sought medical attention on Wednesday. Medical staff expect Smith to remain hospitalized for approximately one to two weeks until he makes a complete recovery.
“Our only concern right now is Josh’s health,” said Chris Young, the team’s president of baseball operations on Friday. “Josh is receiving tremendous care from outstanding health professionals and has a good prognosis. This is obviously an unexpected illness, but we hope to see him return to full health and rejoin the club very soon.”
The condition involves inflammation of the protective membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Smith had already been sidelined on the 10-day injured list since May 4 due to a right glute strain. During his rehabilitation, he has also been managing left wrist inflammation.
This season, Smith is batting .217 with six RBIs across 31 games. Throughout his five-year career spanning 487 games, he maintains a .235 batting average with 31 home runs and 134 RBIs. Smith contributed to Texas winning the World Series in 2023 and received a Silver Slugger award in 2024.
