Smith started at shortstop and went 0-for-4 with a walk in Thursday's 4-3 loss to the Athletics.

EDGE Analysis

Smith filled in for the injured Corey Seager (hamstring) and is expected to handle the strong side of a platoon at short in his absence. Nick Ahmed, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Round Rock earlier this week, started Wednesday against a lefty. Smith has also hit leadoff the last two times Texas has faced a right-handed pitcher.

Smith batted leadoff and went 1-for-4 with a walk, a home run, an RBI and an additional run scored in Tuesday's 8-5 win over the Athletics.

EDGE Analysis

Among the several lineup tweaks made by Texas manager Bruce Bochy, Smith was moved to the leadoff spot with Marcus Semien being dropped to fifth. The move, designed to fix a struggling offense, paid off for at least one night. The lineup and batting order tweaks came against a right-hander, and it's uncertain if Bochy will continue the practice against lefties. That will be determined Wednesday when the Rangers face southpaw JP Sears. One thing for certain is that Smith is hitting well out of the gates and getting his bat in the lineup is needed. He started in center field in place of Leody Taveras on Tuesday and eventually moved to shortstop when Corey Seager was removed due to a hamstring injury. In the past, Smith has been the primary fill-in at short whenever Seager dealt with an injury.

Smith started at designated hitter against a right-hander and went 3-for-4 in Sunday's 1-0 loss to the Dodgers.

EDGE Analysis

Smith replaced a struggling Joc Pederson, who's batting just .055 (3-for-55). The season-opening slump may eventually cost Pederson his job as the DH against righties. Smith is hitting too well -- he's up to .378 following Sunday's loss -- to ignore and could gain a greater share of starts at DH going forward.

Smith went 1-for-3 with a walk, a double and a run scored in Saturday's 4-3 win over the Dodgers.

EDGE Analysis

Smith returned to the lineup after missing four games due to a thumb injury, starting at first base and batted third. With Texas trailing by a run entering the bottom of the ninth inning, he led off the frame with a double before Adolis Garcia belted a walk-off home run. The double extended Smith's hit streak to five games, and overall he's slashing .341/.438/.512 through 48 plate appearances. He's helped fill the void in left field caused by the injury to Wyatt Langford (oblique), who could be activated ahead of Sunday's game. While there isn't a permanent home in the starting lineup for Smith, Bochy might consider using him at DH more often, given Joc Pederson's epic struggles to begin the season.

Smith (thumb) will start at first base and bat third Saturday against the Dodgers.

EDGE Analysis

Smith missed four consecutive games while managing a bruised thumb, but he seems to be fully recovered entering Saturday's contest. He'll make his first start back at first base, which will allow Dustin Harris to start in left field and bat seventh.

Smith (thumb) is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Dodgers.

EDGE Analysis

It's the fourth straight absence from the lineup for Smith as he continues to manage a bruised thumb. There's been no indication that the 27-year-old will require a trip to the injured list, but it may be considered given how much time he's already missed. Dustin Harris is receiving another start in left field for the Rangers.

Smith (thumb) is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

Thursday will mark the third straight game Smith has missed while he continues to nurse a bruised thumb. Dustin Harris will pick up another start in left field as a result, and the Rangers may consider placing Smith on the IL if he's unable to return to action soon.

Smith (thumb) remains out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

Smith is dealing with a bruised thumb, and the super-utility player will miss a second straight start. Dustin Harris will start in left field and bat sixth for the Rangers on Wednesday.

Smith started in left field and went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Friday's 5-3 loss to the Mariners.

EDGE Analysis

Smith, who had filled in at third base when Josh Jung was unavailable, moved to left field with Wyatt Langford (oblique) on the injured list. The versatile infielder/outfielder is 10-for-24 with three doubles, a home run, two RBI, three steals and seven runs scored over the last eight games. Kevin Pillar could see time in left field against southpaws, but Smith is expected to be the primary fill-in while Langford is out.

Smith is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

The Cubs are sending a tough southpaw (Shota Imanaga) to the hill for the series finale, so the lefty-hitting Smith will retreat to the bench. Though Smith no longer has a path to regular playing time at third base with Josh Jung (neck) returning from the injured list earlier this week, Smith could see action in left field if Wyatt Langford requires a stint on the IL after tweaking his oblique Tuesday.