Smith is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Athletics.

EDGE Analysis

Since Josh Jung played his last game April 1 before landing on the injured list a day later with a fractured wrist, Smith had started on the left side of the infield in each of the ensuing eight contests. Smith has reached base at a .433 clip during that eight-game stretch to solidify his case for a regular role with the Rangers, but he'll head to the bench Thursday while left-hander JP Sears toes the rubber for Oakland. With Jung set to remain out for at least two months after getting transferred to the 60-day IL earlier this week, Smith should still have an extended runway at the hot corner, provided he continues to produce well at the dish.