The Texas Rangers have hit an unexpected roadblock with their Opening Day second baseman, Josh Smith, who is currently hospitalized after being diagnosed with viral meningitis. The team announced Friday that Smith will remain in a Metroplex hospital for seven to 10 days as the illness runs its course, delaying his return to the active roster once again.

Smith was already on the injured list due to a strained right glute and had been dealing with left wrist discomfort during his recovery. According to Rangers general manager Ross Fenstermaker, Smith alerted the team Wednesday that he wasn't feeling right, experiencing unusual body pains. The training staff quickly instructed him to seek medical attention, leading to the diagnosis.

"He said he was feeling some different pains, dealing with different things and reached out to our training staff, who then instructed him to go get it looked at," Fenstermaker explained. "You go and get checked by health professionals, and they identify that it was viral meningitis. Once that's identified, they administered him to the hospital."

While the wrist pain may have been related to the meningitis symptoms, the Rangers aren't certain of the connection. The good news? Viral meningitis is the most common—and least severe—form of the illness. According to the CDC, it's an inflammation of the protective lining of the brain and spinal cord, but patients typically recover on their own without specific treatment.

Fenstermaker emphasized confidence that this is an isolated case, with no other players showing signs of illness. As for Smith's timeline, the Rangers expect him to return to the diamond this season—possibly as soon as next month. The recovery period remains uncertain, but for a team that relies on his glove and bat in the infield, every day of rest is a step in the right direction.