Rangers' Josh Smith hospitalized with viral meningitis

Texas Rangers second baseman Josh Smith is expected to be hospitalized for at least a week after being diagnosed with viral meningitis, the team announced Friday. Smith will remain in a Dallas-area hospital until he returns to full health, a process the team estimates will take seven to ten days.

The 28-year-old infielder visited a doctor on Wednesday after feeling ill. A specific plan for his return to baseball activities will be determined once he is medically cleared to resume physical activity. Team president of baseball operations Chris Young emphasized that the player's health is the sole priority, calling the situation an unexpected illness and expressing hope for Smith's full recovery and return to the club.

Viral meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This new health concern comes while Smith was already on the 10-day injured list due to a right glute strain suffered on May 4. During his rehabilitation from that injury, he had also been managing left wrist inflammation.

Smith, in his fifth major league season, took over as the Rangers' primary second...