Texas Rangers second baseman Josh Smith is expected to be hospitalized for at least a week to be treated for viral meningitis, the team said Friday. The club said Smith will remain in a Dallas-area hospital until he has returned to full health, which the team expects to occur within seven to 10 days.
A plan for Smith’s return to play will be determined once he resumes physical activity, the team said. Smith sought medical attention Wednesday after feeling ill, and the Rangers conveyed that their primary concern is his health. President of baseball operations Chris Young said the illness was unexpected and expressed the organization’s hope that Smith will recover and rejoin the club soon.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes meningitis as a swelling of the protective lining of the brain and spinal cord that can be caused by a viral infection, the team noted in its announcement.
Smith had been on the 10-day injured list since May 4 with a right glute strain. The 28-year-old, in his fifth major league season, experienced left wrist inflammation during the rehab process, the team said. Smith took over at second base after the Rangers traded Marcus Semien to the New York Mets in the offseason.
At the time of the announcement, Smith was hitting .217 with no home runs and six RBI in 31 games. The Rangers were scheduled to open a three-game series at the Houston Astros on Friday night.
