Josh Smith has been hospitalized after being diagnosed with viral meningitis. The 28-year-old sought medical care on May 7 after feeling ill and is expected to remain in a Dallas-area hospital for about seven to ten days while recovering.
Viral meningitis causes inflammation around the brain and spinal cord and can lead to symptoms such as severe headaches, fever, stiff neck, vomiting, and confusion.
The health issue comes shortly after Smith was placed on the injured list with a glute strain and wrist inflammation. Texas Rangers general manager Ross Fenstermaker said the organization’s main focus is Smith’s recovery before discussing baseball matters again.
Smith, originally drafted by the New York Yankees in 2019, joined Texas in 2021 and helped the Rangers win the 2023 World Series. This season, he is batting .217 with six RBIs in 31 games.