Texas Rangers infielder Josh Smith will spend a minimum of one week in a Dallas-area medical facility while receiving treatment for viral meningitis, the team announced Friday.
Team officials stated that Smith will continue his hospital stay until he achieves complete recovery, which medical professionals anticipate will occur within seven to 10 days. Once Smith resumes physical activities, team staff will develop a strategy for his return to playing baseball.
According to the Rangers, Smith visited a physician on Wednesday after experiencing illness symptoms.
“Our only concern right now is Josh’s health,” president of baseball operations Chris Young said. “This is obviously an unexpected illness, but we hope to see him return to full health and rejoin the club very soon.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, meningitis involves inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which can result from viral infections.
Smith has been placed on the 10-day injured list since May 4 due to a right glute strain. The 28-year-old player, currently in his fifth major league season, has also experienced left wrist inflammation while recovering from his previous injury.
Following the Rangers’ offseason trade of Marcus Semien to the New York Mets, Smith assumed the starting second base position. Through 31 games this season, he maintains a .217 batting average with zero home runs and six RBIs.
The Rangers were scheduled to begin a three-game series against the Houston Astros on Friday evening.
