Rangers' Smith says he's 'doing fine' after taking pitch to face vs. Orioles
Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Smith was forced to leave Monday's game after he was struck in the face by a pitch from Baltimore Orioles left-hander Danny Coulombe.
Josh Smith was hit in the head with an 89MPH sinker. Medical staff came out and he walked off the field under his own power. Scary stuff for Smith and the Texas Rangers. pic.twitter.com/XEBhN3chL9
— Kade Kistner (@KadeKistner) April 4, 2023
The Rangers announced that Smith was taken to a local hospital for further testing on his face and jaw.
"He got hit in the face area, in the lower jaw," Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said, according to The Associated Press. "We did take him to 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."
Smith provided an update on his health Tuesday, tweeting that he's "doing fine" and is hoping for a quick return to action.
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 said he received six stitches and has a swollen jaw but isn't in too much pain, according to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News.
The 25-year-old is in his second season with Texas. Smith appeared in 73 games in 2022, hitting .197 with a pair of home runs, 16 RBIs, and four stolen bases in 213 at-bats.