Texas Rangers second baseman Josh Smith is facing a serious health challenge off the field. The team announced Friday that the 28-year-old has been diagnosed with viral meningitis and is expected to be hospitalized for at least a week at a Dallas-area facility.

According to the Rangers, Smith will remain under medical care until he fully recovers, with an estimated timeline of seven to ten days. The news comes as a sobering setback for a player who was already working his way back from injury.

For those unfamiliar, viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis—an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. The CDC notes it's typically caused by a viral infection, with symptoms ranging from fever, headache, and stiff neck to nausea, vomiting, and in some cases, altered mental state. Smith first saw a doctor Wednesday after feeling unwell, per the Associated Press.

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

Smith's journey to this point has been anything but ordinary. Drafted by the New York Yankees in the second round back in 2019, the LSU product joined the Rangers in July 2021 and made his MLB debut the following year. He was part of the historic 2023 squad that brought Texas its first World Series championship.

Since then, Smith has carved out a more prominent role. In 2024, he posted an impressive campaign with 30 doubles, 13 home runs, and a career-high 62 RBI, earning a Silver Slugger Award along the way. This season, he stepped into the starting second baseman role after the Rangers traded Marcus Semien to the New York Mets in November, having previously served as a versatile utility player.

But the road has been bumpy. Smith landed on the injured list May 4 with a right glute strain, and his rehab has been complicated by left wrist inflammation. Now, viral meningitis adds another layer to his recovery—one that puts health above all else.

For Rangers fans and the baseball community, the focus remains on Smith's well-being. Here's hoping for a full and speedy recovery for a player who's proven his resilience time and again.