Infielder Josh Smith, out for the last month with a glute strain and, later, a bout with viral meningitis, is expected to begin a rehab assignment this weekend and could be within a week of returning to the roster.
Smith, 28, took live batting practice on Wednesday in St. Louis for the first time since being released from a hospital about 10 days ago. After he checked off other boxes on Friday, the Rangers cleared him to return to playing games.
Smith struggled to a .563 OPS in his first 31 games and has likely lost the regular second base job to surging Ezequiel Duran, but could likely return in a utility role similar to the one he excelled at the last two years. The question is whether the Rangers would like to roll with Nicky Lopez, an excellent fielder, as the utility man for a while longer and let Smith get more at-bats in the minors.