The Texas Rangers have optioned infielder Josh Smith to AAA Round Rock, the team announced today. To replace him on the active roster, the Rangers have purchased the contract of outfielder Jarred Kelenic. To make room for Kelenic on the 40 man roster, the Rangers have moved outfielder Michael Helman from the 15 day injured list to the 60 day injured list.
Josh Smith started the 2026 season as the Rangers’ starting second baseman, with the trade of Marcus Semien to the New York Mets opening up that
job for him. Smith got off to a poor start to the season, and was slashing just .217/.324/.239 when he went on the injured list in early May due to a glute strain.
That injured list stint was extended by a bout of viral meningitis, which resulted in Smith being hospitalized for around a week. After a rehab stint in the minors that lasted a little over a week, Smith was activated on Monday when Corey Seager went to the 7 day concussion injured list. He was 2 for 9 in the three games the Rangers played since he was activated.
My guess is that the Rangers feel Smith needs more time and regular at bats to get back to where he needs to be after dealing with his illness. When Seager returns, Duran will be the regular second baseman, and Nicky Lopez has been handling utility infield duties.
As for Kelenic, the 26 year old one time top prospect was signed to a minor league deal after being released by the Chicago White Sox, for whom he had slashed .226/.305/.321 in 59 major league plate appearances this year. For his career, he has a .211/.283/.374 slash line.
Kelenic has slashed .340/.431/.620 in 59 plate appearances at AAA Round Rock this year. I’m not sure if this is a “we think maybe he has figured something out and can help the lineup” move or a “we need a body and can cut him loose once we don’t need a body anymore” move.
