Smith should benefit from the Rangers' decision to designate Mark Mathias for assignment Saturday, Levi Weaver of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Mathias was bumped from the 40-man roster to create space for reliever Will Smith, who was signed by the Rangers on Saturday. Weaver goes into great detail as to what the transaction means for several players on the roster, including Smith, who was in a battle to make the team in a utility role. While he can't provide the right-handed bench bat that Mathias did, Smith's ability to play shortstop gives the Rangers insurance that Mathias could not supply. Smith, who came to Texas in the Joey Gallo trade, posted a .197/.307/.249 line over 253 plate appearances in 2022.

Texas manager Bruce Bochy said Smith will play all infield positions and left field during spring games, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports. "I think he's comfortable moving around," Bochy said. "He's already done it, so that's always a good thing."

EDGE Analysis

Smith came through the system as a shortstop, but he's blocked by Corey Seager in the majors. That means he'll have to make the team in a utility capacity. He debuted in the majors in 2022, playing 36 games at third base, 24 in left field, six at shortstop, five as the designated hitter and two at second base. Smith posted a line of .197/.307/.249 over 73 games.

Smith isn't starting Friday's game against the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

The left-handed Smith will take a seat Friday with fellow lefty Reid Detmers starting the game on the mound for Los Angeles. While he sits, Mark Mathias will take his spot in left field and bat sixth.

Smith started at shortstop and went 0-for-2 with a walk and a caught stealing in Wednesday's 3-1 loss to the Mariners.

EDGE Analysis

Smith started in place of the injured Corey Seager (forearm), who may have avoided serious damage after being plunked by a pitch Tuesday, though it's unclear how much time Seager will miss. With left-hander Marco Gonzales on the bump Thursday for the Mariners, the left-handed hitting Smith may take a seat even if Seager is not ready to return.

Smith entered Tuesday's 5-0 win over Seattle as a pinch runner after Corey Seager left with a forearm injury.

EDGE Analysis

Seager, who was removed after being plunked on the inner left forearm, was replaced by Smith on the bases then in the field for the final inning. Seager is considered day-to-day, which could lead to starts for Smith in the coming days. Mark Mathias and Charlie Culberson are also around for infield depth.

Smith is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Mariners.

EDGE Analysis

Smith is 4-for-34 over his past 11 contests and will take a seat Tuesday in Seattle. Bubba Thompson and Adolis Garcia will start in the corner outfield while Charlie Culberson serves as the designated hitter.

Smith went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional RBI in Wednesday's victory over the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

After tallying an RBI with a fielder's choice in the second inning, Smith provided a big insurance run for the Rangers Wednesday as he hit a solo shot in in the seventh to improve the lead to 4-2. The home run was his second of the season and first extra-base hit since July 29. He is slashing .205/.311/.261 through 205 plate appearances this season and will likely maintain a part-time role moving forward.

Smith isn't starting Saturday against the Rays.

EDGE Analysis

Smith has hit just .100 with a run and seven strikeouts over six games since rejoining the major-league club, and he'll be on the bench for the third time in the last five matchups. Bubba Thompson is starting in left field and batting ninth.

Smith isn't starting Wednesday against the Athletics.

EDGE Analysis

Smith has gone 0-for-11 with three strikeouts over his last three games and will be on the bench for the second time in the last three matchups. Nick Solak is starting in left field and batting eighth Wednesday.

Smith started at shortstop in place of the resting Corey Seager and went 0-for-4 in Tuesday's 8-7 win over the Athletics.

EDGE Analysis

Smith has mostly played third base or left field this season, and Tuesday's start at shortstop was his first of the season. With Josh Jung up with the team and playing every day at third base, opportunities for Smith are in short supply. Bubba Thompson has been the primary left fielder, so it should be random starts for Smith, who is batting .193 since the All-Star break.