Smith (hand) is starting at shortstop and batting second in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

The 26-year-old exited Tuesday's contest after being hit by a pitch on the hand, but his return to the lineup a day later indicates it isn't a significant issue. Smith is expected to serve as a utility infielder in 2024, but he could see more action early on since Nathaniel Lowe (oblique) is likely to open on the injured list and Corey Seager's (groin) status is also up in the air.

Smith got hit by a pitch on his hand and left Tuesday's Cactus League game against the A's, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

After getting hit by the pitch, Smith was pulled from the game, with Sebastian Walcott entering to pinch run. The shortstop is competing for a bench role, though he has minor-league options remaining. The 26-year-old now has a .231/.447/.385 slash line in 14 games this spring with four doubles and eight walks against nine strikeouts.

Smith is expected to be the primary fill-in at shortstop this spring while Corey Seager (groin) is sidelined, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith and Ezequiel Duran were expected to get a ton of reps at shortstop, but third baseman Josh Jung's calf injury means Duran will cover the hot corner the next two-to-three weeks at least. Both Seager and Jung are expected to be ready for Opening Day.

Smith went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's 9-3 loss to the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

Corey Seager (forearm) had to exit the game, so Smith filled in at shortstop and delivered a ninth-inning homer. The long ball was Smith's first since Sept. 4, though he's seen little playing time since Josh Jung returned from the injured list. With the Rangers still in the thick of the playoff race, Seager's potential absence looms large. Smith has hit an ugly .137 (10-for-73) since the start of August, so Ezequiel Duran, who has batted .248 in that same stretch, could be the better option to fill in at shortstop if Seager misses time.

Smith is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Red Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Smith had started at third base in each of the Rangers' last four games, but he's likely to handle more of a utility role moving forward after Texas reinstated Josh Jung (thumb) from the 10-day injured list Monday. The 25-year-old is hitting just .116 in September and likely won't be in store for steady at-bats down the stretch while the Rangers look to secure a playoff spot.

Smith started at third base and went 0-for-4 in Friday's 6-3 loss to the Athletics.

EDGE Analysis

Smith made his fourth start in the last five games, all against right-handers. Unfortunately for Smith, it's been a squandered opportunity, going 1-for-14 in the four starts. His usage has yo-yoed all season, and with news that Josh Jung (thumb) could return next week, Smith's opportunities should dry up.

Smith is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

Smith started four straight games for the Rangers, but he reached base only four times over that span, so he will work as a reserve Monday and allow J.P. Martinez to make a fourth straight start.

Smith started at third base and went 1-for-4 in Friday's 2-1 win over San Francisco.

EDGE Analysis

Smith made a second straight start at the hot corner, as the Rangers navigate life without rookie third baseman Josh Jung (thumb). He'll be out until some point in September after undergoing thumb surgery this week. Ezequiel Duran and Smith are sharing third base until Jung becomes available. While Duran's season numbers trump Smith's by a wide margin, the former has slumped since the All-Star break with a .162 average and .524 OPS.

Smith started at shortstop and went 1-for-2 with a walk in Saturday's 4-0 loss to San Diego.

EDGE Analysis

The seldom-used Smith made his third start in the last six games. He replaced Ezequiel Duran, who is the primary fill-in at shortstop for the injured Corey Seager (thumb). With Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reporting that Seager could starting swinging a bat Monday or Tuesday, Smith's path to plate appearances could dry up this week.

Smith started in left field and went 1-for-4 with a walk, a home run and an additional run scored in Monday's 10-9 loss to Houston.

EDGE Analysis

Smith's fourth-inning solo shot was his first in 23 games and fourth of the season. The seldom-used utility player made a second consecutive start, as the Rangers deal with injuries to Corey Seager (thumb) and Adolis Garcia (hand).