STWF Sports | FRISCO, Texas | June 6, 2026 — Another Texas Rangers infielder is headed to Riders Field as part of his road back to the major leagues.

Josh Smith is slated to begin a rehab assignment with the Frisco RoughRiders when Frisco faces the Springfield Cardinals, the Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, at Riders Field. The assignment gives Smith a chance to return to game action after being placed on the 10-day injured list with a right glute strain on May 5.

For Frisco fans, the move brings another familiar Rangers name to the ballpark during a busy stretch of major league rehab activity. For Smith, it represents an important step in working back toward the Texas lineup.

Josh Smith’s Impact on the Rangers

Smith is in his fifth season with the Rangers and has become one of the organization’s most versatile major league pieces. After filling different roles earlier in his career, he entered this season as Texas’ everyday second baseman. Before the injury, the former LSU standout appeared in 31 games and hit .217 with a .324 on-base percentage, .239 slugging percentage and .563 OPS.

While those numbers reflected a slower offensive start, Smith’s recent body of work shows the value he has provided for the Rangers. Between the 2024 and 2025 seasons, he hit .254 with a .336 on-base percentage, .380 slugging percentage and .716 OPS across 293 games. During that span, he added 23 home runs, 97 RBI, 23 stolen bases and a 111 OPS+.

That production helped Smith become a key part of the Rangers’ roster. His ability to defend multiple positions, get on base, run the bases and provide occasional power made him one of Texas’ more useful everyday contributors.

Smith’s 2024 season was especially important in raising his profile. He earned the Utility Silver Slugger Award, an honor that reflected both his offensive production and his ability to impact the game while moving around the diamond. That versatility has followed him throughout his career and remains a major part of his value as he works back from injury.

The rehab assignment also brings Smith back to a place he knows well.

Smith played for the RoughRiders in 2021 and made a strong impression during his time in Frisco. In 30 games with the club, he hit .294 with a .425 on-base percentage, .535 slugging percentage and .963 OPS. He added three home runs, 10 RBI and showed strong plate discipline, drawing 18 walks against 20 strikeouts.

That Double-A production helped push him closer to the major leagues. Smith began the 2022 season with Triple-A Round Rock before making his MLB debut with the Rangers on May 30, 2022.

Since then, he has carved out a steady role in Arlington.

Now, his return to Frisco gives the Rangers a chance to evaluate his timing, movement and overall health in a competitive setting. Rehab assignments are often about more than results. For Smith, the focus will likely be on how well he moves defensively, how he responds to game speed and whether his lower body feels strong through live at-bats and defensive reps.

The RoughRiders have already hosted notable Rangers rehab assignments this season, giving Riders Field a major league feel while also boosting the club’s lineup. Smith’s arrival continues that trend and adds another layer of interest to Frisco’s series against Springfield.

For the RoughRiders, adding a player with Smith’s experience can also provide value beyond the box score. Young players in Double-A get a chance to share a clubhouse with an established big leaguer who has worked through the full player development path and earned a regular role at the highest level.

For Texas, the assignment is another step toward getting healthier.

Smith’s return would give the Rangers more defensive flexibility and another left-handed bat capable of contributing in different spots in the order. His ability to handle second base while also offering positional versatility gives the club options once he is ready to rejoin the major league roster.

For now, the spotlight shifts to Riders Field, where Smith begins the next stage of his recovery.

A former RoughRider is back in Frisco, and the Rangers will be watching closely as he works toward a return to Arlington.