HOUSTON -- Rangers infielder Josh Smith has been diagnosed with viral meningitis, the club announced on Friday.
Smith reported feeling ill at the end of the Rangers’ most recent homestand and visited doctors Wednesday night. He is currently receiving treatment at a Dallas-area hospital. Recovery is expected to take at least seven to 10 days, at which point the Rangers will reevaluate before beginning his return to play program.
According to the Center for Disease Control, viral meningitis is the “inflammation [swelling] of the protective lining of the brain and spinal cord that can be caused by a viral infection.”
“We know at this point, obviously, there's hospital protocol for seven to 10 days of monitoring recovery,” said general manager Ross Fenstermaker. “Once he gets out of there, we'll reassess from a baseball perspective. But right now our focus is just getting him healthy and right.
“We know he's getting some of the best care that he can get right now. The doctors will advise us in terms of what activity looks like once he gets healthy, but right now it's just getting back to health and making sure he's in a good spot.”
Smith has been on the 10-day injured list with a right glute strain since May 4. He has also dealt with left wrist inflammation during the rehab process.