The Texas Rangers will be down a man for at least a week after a shocking hospitalization.
Second baseman Josh Smith is in a Dallas-area hospital while dealing with a bout of viral meningitis.
The Rangers say that Smith is expected to return to full health within 7-10 days, according to the AP.
A return-to-play plan has not yet been made and will be determined once Smith resumes physical activity.
‘Our only concern right now is Josh’s health,’ said president of baseball operations Chris Young.
‘This is obviously an unexpected illness, but we hope to see him return to full health and rejoin the club very soon.’
Rangers second baseman Josh Smith is in the hospital with a meningitis diagnosis
Smith visited the doctor after feeling ill while rehabbing a glute strain and wrist inflammation
Smith has struggled at the plate this year, batting just .217 with no homers and only six RBI
The team says that Smith went to a doctor Wednesday complaining of feeling ill, which led to tests and his eventual diagnosis.
Meningitis is a swelling of the protective lining of the brain and spinal cord that can be caused by a viral infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Smith had been on the 10-day injured list prior to his trip to the doctors office.
The 28-year-old has been dealing with a right glute strain. He has also been battling inflammation in his left wrist in the course of his rehab process.
Smith has been off to a slow start at second base after taking over from Marcus Semien, who was traded to the New York Mets in the offseason.
The Louisiana native has a batting average of .217 so far this season – with just two extra-base hits and 6 RBI in the campaign.
