Rangers’ Josh Smith creating a lineup problem Texas can’t ignore

What is it with Texas Rangers named Josh and their aversion to hitting the baseball? Aside from former American League MVP Josh Hamilton, over 15 years ago, his namesakes playing for the organization right now are having a really difficult time contributing to the Texas offense.

We've addressed Jung ad nauseam, so we'll spare you any more on him and his recent streak above the Mendoza Line. Now, it's the new second baseman, Josh Smith, who has us worried that the Rangers have made a significant downgrade at the position.

Josh Smith is forcing Skip Schumaker's hand with his anemic bat

The season is still just 14 games old, but even though the Rangers got the better end of the trade with the red-hot Brandon Nimmo for Marcus Semien, there remains a Texas-sized hole in the lineup at second base that may require Skip Schumaker to consider alternatives.

Smith's futility in an ever-evolving and considerable sample size is becoming a concern. What's even more troubling is his 6-for-41 (.146) start with zero extra-base hits and only one RBI on a season. He is now hitting eighth and was pinch-hit for in a lefty/lefty situation late in the Rangers' 6-3 loss to the Dodgers on Saturday.

Aside from his 2-for-3 game against in the finale of the Mariners sweep, Smith is hitting .097. Schumaker had Sam Haggerty hit for Smith, which could indicate that he is envisioning more of a platoon at the position if Smith continues to come up empty at the plate.

Rangers knew they were downgrading on defense, but thought Smith would be more productive at the plate

Some Rangers' fans are quick to forget how integral Marcus Semien was for this team from 2022 to 2025. You could always stick him in the leadoff spot, knowing he would play at least 155 games a year.

Even as his offensive production waned over the last two seasons, he always brought Gold Glove-level defensive play and was a clubhouse leader to many of his teammates. Smith is an average defender, which would be fine if he made up for it with more offense.

What's also frightening is that, traditionally, Smith has been a big first half of the season guy and gotten progressively worn out over the second half in the two full seasons he has played for the team.

Schumaker has already pushed both of the Josh's to the bottom of the order, so it would seem that the next move would be taking at-bats away from Smith and giving them to a guy like Haggerty.