Texas Rangers’ Josh Smith taken to hospital after getting hit in face with pitch
Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Smith was taken to a local hospital after being hit in the face by a pitch during Monday night’s game against the Baltimore Orioles at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
Smith, a left-handed hitter, was struck on the right side of his face in the third inning by a 1-0 slider from reliever Danny Coulombe. Smith spun back to his left and dropped to the dirt in the batter’s box, breaking his fall with his left hand while holding his face with his right hand.
The Rangers confirmed that Smith went to a hospital for testing on his face and jaw.
Coulombe was pitching because Orioles starter Kyle Bradish left after being hit on his right foot by a line drive in the second inning.
The Orioles won the game, 2-0, dealing the Rangers (3-1) their first loss of the season.
Who is Josh Smith?
Smith was a second-round selection (67th overall) in the 2019 MLB draft by the New York Yankees. Smith, who attended Catholic High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, also was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 38th round in 2016, but did not sign and opted to play college ball at LSU.
On July 29, 2021, Smith was involved in a six-player swap between the Yankees and Rangers that saw Joey Gallo and Joely Rodríguez dealt to New York in exchange for Smith, Glenn Otto, Ezequiel Durán, and Trevor Hauver.
Smith made his major league debut on May 30, 2022 against the Tampa Bay Rays, when he went 3-for-4 at the plate with two runs scored. He finished the 2022 season batting .197 with 42 hits in 213 at bats, hitting two home runs and stealing four bases.
