Overview
- The Rangers said Friday that second baseman Josh Smith has viral meningitis and will stay in a Dallas-area hospital for about seven to ten days.
- Smith reported feeling ill at the end of the homestand and visited doctors Wednesday night, and he is now receiving care for viral meningitis, a swelling of the brain and spinal cord membranes caused by a virus.
- President of baseball operations Chris Young said the club’s only concern is Smith’s health and added that doctors view his outlook as good.
- General manager Ross Fenstermaker said the team will follow a seven-to-ten-day monitoring protocol and then reassess a return-to-play plan after he is cleared.
- He remains on the 10-day injured list with a right glute strain after earlier wrist inflammation, and he had been the primary second baseman post–Marcus Semien trade, batting .217 in 31 games.