ARLINGTON -- Two weeks ago, Josh Smith was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock for the first time since 2022.
His stay down in Round Rock was quick, with shortstop Corey Seager landing on the injured list for the third time this season on Wednesday.
Smith’s impact upon his return was quick, too. The utilityman launched a 406-foot, pinch-hit solo homer in the Rangers’ 10-4 win over the Tigers on Thursday night, giving them much-needed insurance in the middle innings before Texas padded the lead late.
It was a full team win, featuring another multihit day from Josh Jung and the bullpen coming up big behind ace Nathan Eovaldi as he lost steam in the sixth inning -- but perhaps the biggest contributions came from the unsung heroes like Smith.
Elias Díaz, who signed with Rangers on June 6 after he was designated for assignment by the Royals, opened the scoring with a solo homer in the second inning. Nicky Lopez, who signed with the Rangers on May 27 after he was designated for assignment by the Cubs, went 3-for-4 in the nine-hole.
But maybe the biggest moment of the evening came in the top of the sixth inning, with the Rangers holding onto a slim two-run lead after Eovaldi’s departure. Tyler Alexander, the first arm out of the bullpen, recorded two outs, but allowed an infield single and walk to load the bases.
Enter Peyton Gray, who signed with the Rangers this offseason but wasn’t called up until April 23. He threw three pitches, all strikes, for a punchout of Hao-Yu Lee to strand the bases loaded and keep the lead intact.