Rangers infielder Josh Smith to be hospitalized at least one week with viral meningitis diagnosis

Rangers second baseman Josh Smith was diagnosed with viral meningitis and will be hospitalized for at least a week, the team announced Friday.

Smith, 28, is at a Dallas-area hospital and is expected to remain there for 7-10 days, according to the Associated Press.

The Rangers said that Smith was feeling ill on Wednesday before seeing a doctor.

“Our only concern right now is Josh’s health,” Texas president of baseball operations Chris Young said. “This is obviously an unexpected illness, but we hope to see him return to full health and rejoin the club very soon.”

Josh Smith of the Texas Rangers fields a ground ball in the seventh inning against the Athletics at Globe Life Field on April 26, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. Getty Images

According to the CDC, viral meningitis is the most common variant of the disease, which is the swelling of the protective lining of the brain and spinal cord.

The illness is caused by a viral infection, with a fever, stiff neck and headache often arising as common symptoms.

Texas Rangers shortstop Josh Smith (8) lays down a bunt single during the sixth inning against the Athletics at Globe Life Field. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Nausea, vomiting and an altered mental state can also occur, albeit more rarely.

Texas placed Smith on the 10-day injured list, and a program for his return will be determined once he’s able to resume physical activity.

After being drafted by the Yankees in the second round of the 2019 draft, Smith has been with the Rangers since July 2021 and made his MLB debut with the club in 2022.

Smith, who was a part of Texas’s 2023 World Series championship team, has taken a larger role in recent seasons, playing in over 140 games in 2024 and 2025, serving as a utility player.

Since the Rangers traded Marcus Semien to the Mets in November, Smith has served as the team’s everyday second baseman, starting 26 games at the position to start the year.

He has been off to a slow start at the plate this season, however — putting up a modest slash line of .217/.324/.239 across 108 plate appearances.