Despite the Texas Rangers’ lineup facing a sluggish start to the season, Josh Smith has emerged as a beacon of resilience and productivity.

Filling the void created by Josh Jung’s early-season injury, Smith has consistently delivered from the lower end of the batting order. His recent performance played a pivotal role in the Rangers’ commanding 6-0 victory over the Washington Nationals at Globe Life Field, securing the series win.

Smith’s current on-base streak extends to a career-best 19 games, with a notable 1-for-3 performance including a double and two runs scored. This streak ranks as the second-longest in the majors.

Impressively, his 10th double of the season, achieved in just 31 games, places him fourth in the league—a stark contrast to the eight doubles he amassed over 90 games last year.

Sporting a .423 on-base percentage, one of the highest in the majors, Smith has showcased his prowess at the plate, recording extra-base hits in eight of his last ten games, including two home runs and six doubles.

Reflecting on stepping up in Jung’s absence, Smith emphasized the team aspect of baseball and expressed satisfaction with his contributions thus far.

Beyond his offensive contributions, the 26-year-old infielder has garnered attention for his defensive versatility and excellence, particularly when filling in for Corey Seager at third base and shortstop. Smith’s defensive prowess was highlighted by a spectacular play on Wednesday, making a difficult throw after fielding a challenging hop near the third-base bag.

Regarding his approach at the plate, Smith attributed his success in the 2024 season to an offseason adjustment to his swing. By minimizing pre-pitch body movement and stabilizing his head, he has improved his focus on incoming pitches. This adjustment, combined with consistent playing time, has led to a significant improvement from his minor league days.

Smith emphasized the importance of regular at-bats in allowing him to showcase his true potential. He expressed satisfaction with his natural approach and swings, attributing his success to hard work paying off.

Smith’s resurgence underscores not only his individual talent and dedication but also the Rangers’ collective resilience and adaptability as they navigate early-season challenges.