Texas Rangers infielder Josh Smith has been diagnosed with viral meningitis, per the beats. He has been hospitalized, and is expected to be in the hospital for 7 to 10 days.
Smith, who took over for Marcus Semien as the team’s starting second baseman this year, was already on the injured list due to a glute strain. This issue will have him sidelined for a while longer, as he will have to work his way back to being able to play once he is released from the hospital.
Viral meningitis is the form of meningitis that
is caused by a virus. It causes inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and the spinal cord. Unlike bacterial meningitis, where the symptoms are much more severe and can be deadly, viral meningitis is much more benign.
In Smith’s absence, Ezequiel Duran will most likely continue to get the bulk of the playing time at second base.
