The Texas Rangers released a major injury update after one of the team’s starting outfielders had to be taken to the hospital.
Rangers left fielder Josh H. Smith was taken to a local hospital for further scans and testing on his face and jaw after he was struck by a pitch on the right side of his face during Monday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles. Smith left the game in the bottom of the third inning after being hit in the face by an 89 mph slider and was immediately taken to an area hospital.
Yikes, Josh Smith just took an 89 MPH pitch to the jaw pic.twitter.com/UUVfmjQeN4
— Ben Palmer (@benjpalmer) April 4, 2023
Following the game, Rangers manager Bruce Bochy told reporters that Smith’s tests came back “clean,” according to Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News. Though, Smith provided a further update in a tweet on Tuesday morning, suggesting that he could miss some time.
“Thank you to everyone who reached out and sent prayers,” Smith wrote. “I’m doing fine & will hopefully be back on the field soon.”
Thank you to everyone who reached out and sent prayers. I’m doing fine & will hopefully be back on the field soon. 🙏🏼
— Josh Smith (@josh_smith8) April 4, 2023
Smith, a former top farmhand of the New York Yankees, was traded to Texas in the trade that brought Joey Gallo back to the Bronx. The former second-round pick out of LSU hit .197/.307/.249 in 73 games with the Rangers last season. Through three games in 2023, Smith has hit .250/.625/.250 in eight plate appearances with a single, two walks and three runs scored.
After Monday’s horrible incident, Smith has seemed to avoid terrible news. While an injured list stint isn’t out of the question, Smith, fortunately, did not suffer any significant injuries to his face.
