Texas Rangers player Josh H. Smith was taken to a local hospital for testing after being hit in the face with a pitch during Monday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles. announced the team on its official social media public relations account. The incident occurred in the third inning when Orioles left reliever Danny Coulombe got a sinker away from him. Smith appeared to have been hit in the jaw by the pitch.
The 25-year-old Smith was nevertheless able to walk off under his own steam after being assisted by the Rangers team coach.
Smith played in his 76th career big league-game. In his first 75, he had collected a .198/.314/.249 (65 OPS+) slash with two home runs and four stolen bases. He has proven to be a versatile defenseman and has made at least five appearances for the Rangers at three positions: third base, left field and shortstop. On Monday, he started in left field and batted ninth.
The Rangers acquired Smith as part of the July 2021 six-player trade that sent veteran outfielder Joey Gallo to the New York Yankees. (The Rangers also got infielder Ezequiel Duran as part of that trade.) He was originally a second-round pick from the Yankees through LSU. At the time of the agreement CBS Sports wrote the following: “Smith’s tools are considered more average than not, so he’ll have to keep hitting.”
In a weird twist, Coulombe was alone in the game as Orioles starter Kyle Bradish had to abandon his start in the second inning after being hit in the foot by a line drive off the bat from Rangers catcher Jonah Heim. Bradish got a bruise on that foot, according to the Orioles.