Texas Rangers utility player Josh H. Smith was taken to a local hospital for testing after he was struck in the face with a pitch during Monday's game against the Baltimore Orioles, the team announced on its official public relations social media account. The incident occurred in the third inning when Orioles lefty reliever Danny Coulombe had a sinker get away from him.
"He got hit in the face area, in the lower jaw," Rangers manager Bruce Bochy told reporters after the game. "We did take him to (the) ER. He had some CT tests. They came out clean. So, we got good news there. He's feeling better as I'm speaking right now. Tomorrow, we'll just reevaluate him."
Thank you to everyone who reached out and sent prayers. I’m doing fine & will hopefully be back on the field soon. 🙏🏼
— Josh Smith (@josh_smith8) April 4, 2023
Smith, 25, was playing in his 76th career big-league game. In his first 75, he had accumulated a .198/.314/.249 (65 OPS+) slash line with two home runs and four stolen bases. He's proven to be a versatile defender, having made at least five appearances for the Rangers at three positions: third base, left field, and shortstop. On Monday, he was starting in left field and batting ninth.
The Rangers acquired Smith as part of the six-player trade in July 2021 that sent veteran outfielder Joey Gallo to the New York Yankees. (The Rangers also obtained infielder Ezequiel Duran as part of that swap.) He was originally a second-round pick of the Yankees by way of LSU. At the time of the deal, CBS Sports wrote the following: "Smith's tools are considered to be more average than not, so he'll need to keep hitting."
In a weird twist, Coulombe was only in the game because Orioles starter Kyle Bradish had to leave his start in the second inning after being struck in the foot by a line drive off the bat of Rangers catcher Jonah Heim. Bradish suffered a bruise on said foot, according to the Orioles.
