OUTJosh Smith
1B/SS/3B/DH TEX
Sat 4/8/23 8:43 AM

Smith started in left field and went 1-for-2 and was hit by a pitch in Friday's 2-0 loss to the Cubs.
EDGE Analysis
Smith returned to action after recovering from a facial injury, which was the result of being hit by a pitch. The utility man has been hit by pitches three times in 11 plate appearances. With news that center fielder Leody Taveras (oblique) has begun a rehab assignment, Smith's days as the starting left fielder against right-handers are numbered. When Taveras is ready, Robbie Grossman is expected to move from right to left field, while Adolis Garcia slides from center to right field.

OUTJosh Smith
1B/SS/3B/DH TEX
Fri 4/7/23 12:44 PM

Smith (face) is back in the Rangers' lineup Friday versus the Cubs.
EDGE Analysis
It's his first start since he had to exit Monday's game against the Orioles when he was hit in the face by a pitch. Smith will play left field and bat ninth versus Marcus Stroman.

OUTJosh Smith
1B/SS/3B/DH TEX
Thu 4/6/23 7:31 AM

Smith (face) was scheduled to get some cardio in and take pre-game swings Wednesday, Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News reports.
EDGE Analysis
Smith was hit by a pitch in the face Monday and needed six stitches to close a laceration. He hasn't played since but will be re-evaluated following Wednesday's activity. All signs point to him avoiding the injured list. Smith, who had been picking up starts in left field against right-handers, was replaced by Ezequiel Duran the last two games. McFarland also reports Leody Taveras (oblique) is taking swings from both sides of the plate and may be nearing a rehab assignment. Taveras' return should reduce the outfield opportunities both Smith and Duran have seen early in the season.

OUTJosh Smith
1B/SS/3B/DH TEX
Wed 4/5/23 11:38 AM

Smith (face) is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Orioles.
EDGE Analysis
The Rangers have an off day Thursday, so Smith will effectively get at least two more days to heal up from a swollen jaw as well as the six stitches he required on his face after being hit by a pitch in Monday's 2-0 loss to the Orioles. Ezequiel Duran will spell Smith in left field for the second game in a row.

OUTJosh Smith
1B/SS/3B/DH TEX
Tue 4/4/23 4:24 PM

Smith received six stitches and has some swelling in his jaw but is not in much pain after being hit in the face by a pitch Monday, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.
EDGE Analysis
It was a scary incident when Smith was hit by a Danny Coulombe pitch, but he managed to avoid a serious injury. Smith is considered day-to-day.

OUTJosh Smith
1B/SS/3B/DH TEX
Tue 4/4/23 11:30 AM

Smith (face) posted Tuesday on his personal Twitter account that he's "doing fine" and "will hopefully be back on the field soon" after he exited Monday's 2-0 loss to the Orioles.
EDGE Analysis
Smith left the game after being struck in the face by a Danny Coulombe pitch. He was taken to a hospital to be evaluated, and while an exact diagnosis for his injury hasn't been revealed, he appears to have avoided something serious. Smith, who had been handling the strong side of a platoon in left field to begin the season, can be considered day-to-day until the Rangers provide more details on his condition.

OUTJosh Smith
1B/SS/3B/DH TEX
Mon 4/3/23 8:59 PM

Smith left Monday's game against the Orioles after being hit in the face by a pitch in the third inning, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
Smith was hit in the face by a Danny Coulombe pitch and had to exit the contest. Ezequiel Duran has entered the game as a pinch runner. Smith was taken to a local hospital for further scans and testing on his face and jaw.

OUTJosh Smith
1B/SS/3B/DH TEX
Sun 4/2/23 2:42 PM

Smith is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Phillies.
EDGE Analysis
Though he manned left field in both of the Rangers' first two games of the season while the Phillies brought right-handers in Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler to the hill, the lefty-hitting Smith will take a seat Sunday with southpaw Bailey Falter toeing the rubber for Philadelphia. Ezequiel Duran checks into left field in place of Smith, who went 1-for-4 with two walks and three runs over his first two starts.

OUTJosh Smith
1B/SS/3B/DH TEX
Sat 4/1/23 12:23 PM

Smith will start in left field and bat ninth in Saturday's game against Philadelphia.
EDGE Analysis
Smith is making his second straight start in left field, both coming against right-handers. He was projected for utility work, but center fielder Leody Taveras' oblique injury forced manager Bruce Bochy to adjust the outfield. For the second straight game, Adolis Garcia starts in center and be flanked by Smith in left and Robbie Grossman in right. The Phillies are scheduled to throw left-hander Bailey Falter on Sunday, which will offer a glimpse into Bochy's lineup preferences against southpaws. Bubba Thompson could enter the starting nine in place of Smith in Sunday's series finale.

OUTJosh Smith
1B/SS/3B/DH TEX
Mon 3/27/23 4:32 PM

Smith (thumb) will start in left field and bat ninth in Monday's Cactus League game against the Royals.
EDGE Analysis
A jammed left thumb kept Smith from playing Saturday versus the Padres, but the 25-year-old will get the green light to return to the lineup for the Rangers' penultimate game of the Cactus League slate. Smith owns an .897 OPS through 16 spring games and looks on track to break camp with the big club, though he may have to settle for a part-time role.