Texas Rangers left fielder Josh Smith took a pitch to the face in the third inning of Monday night's series opener against the Baltimore Orioles.
ARLINGTON, Texas – Texas Rangers left fielder Josh Smith took a pitch off his face, leaving Monday night’s series-opening 2-1 loss to the Baltimore Orioles in the third inning.
Smith immediately fell to the ground in a scary scene and was attended to by Rangers medical staff. He walked off the field under his own power and was replaced by Ezequiel Duran.
Smith was taken to a local hospital for further testing on his face and job, according to the Rangers public relations department.
The 89-mph sinker that struck Smith was thrown by Orioles reliever Danny Coulombe, who coincidentally entered the game in the second inning after starter Kyle Bradish was struck by the ball. Rangers catcher Jonah Heim drilled a 104-mph line drive off Bradish’s right foot.
Smith came into the game batting .250, having played in two of the first three games. He had scored three runs.
The Rangers (3-1) entered the game looking for the franchise’s first 4-0 start in 31 years. Texas swept the defending National League champion Philadelphia Phillies in the season’s first series.
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