Josh Smith’s Viral Meningitis Diagnosis Puts Symptoms Back in the Spotlight
Texas Rangers second baseman Josh Smith is being treated at a Dallas-area hospital after being diagnosed with viral meningitis, adding a much bigger health concern to what had already been an injury-related absence from the club.
According to MLB.com, Smith reported feeling ill near the end of the Rangers’ most recent homestand and visited doctors on Wednesday night.
The team announced the diagnosis Friday, May 15, and said his recovery is expected to take at least seven to 10 days before Texas reevaluates his path back to baseball.
A sudden health concern for Josh Smith
Smith had already been on the 10-day injured list since May 4 because of a right glute strain. He was also dealing with left wrist inflammation during the rehab process.
Viral meningitis is now the larger issue, and the Rangers are not rushing the conversation back to lineups or return dates.
Rangers general manager Ross Fenstermaker said the immediate goal is getting Smith “healthy and right.” People reported that Fenstermaker said the club will “reassess from a baseball perspective” once Smith is out of the hospital, with doctors guiding what activity looks like after recovery.
Chris Young, the Rangers’ president of baseball operations, made the same point. Reuters reported that Young said the team’s “only concern right now is Josh’s health,” while adding that Smith is receiving strong care and has a good prognosis.
What is viral meningitis?
The CDC states that viral meningitis is inflammation of the protective lining around the brain and spinal cord caused by a viral infection. It is the most common type of meningitis, and many people recover on their own, but it can still become very serious.
Non-polio enteroviruses are listed by the CDC as the most common cause in the United States, though other viruses can also lead to the illness. Close contacts may catch the virus that caused the sickness, but the CDC says they are not likely to develop meningitis themselves.
Symptoms we should all be aware of
The Mayo Clinic states that symptoms can include sudden high fever, stiff neck, bad headache, nausea or vomiting, confusion, seizures, sleepiness, sensitivity to light, and loss of appetite or thirst. However, people with the infection may not get every symptom.
When to call a doctor
If you or someone you know is experiencing meningitis symptoms, such as fever, a bad headache that doesn’t go away, confusion, vomiting, or a stiff neck, seek immediate medical help.
Who is Josh Smith?
Josh Smith, 28, is an infielder for the Texas Rangers. Reuters highlighted that he was hitting .217 with six RBIs in 31 games this season. He has played five MLB seasons, helped Texas win the 2023 World Series, and earned a Silver Slugger award in 2024.
For now, the baseball piece can wait. Smith’s health comes first.
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