Rangers 2B Josh Smith diagnosed with viral meningitis, expected to be hospitalized at least a week, team says
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.
In 2024, he delivered 30 doubles, 13 home runs and earned a Silver Slugger Award while clocking out with a career-high 62 RBI.
So far this season, he’s started 26 games at second base. He took over at that position after the Rangers traded Marcus Semien to the New York Mets this past November. Previously, Smith served as a utility player for Texas.
That said, Smith’s role as primary second baseman has been interrupted. On May 4, he landed on the injured list with a right glute strain. Plus, he’s dealt with left wrist inflammation during his rehab process, according to the AP.
The latest hurdle in his return to play is viral meningitis.
