Rangers' Josh Smith Sits Against Lefty Pitcher

Ezequiel Duran to start at second base for Texas

Mar. 29, 2026 at 3:35pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball game, with players and the field broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, conceptually representing the analytical approach to lineup decisions.A cubist interpretation of a baseball game captures the strategic decision-making behind resting a struggling hitter against a tough left-handed pitcher.Philadelphia Today

Texas Rangers second baseman Josh Smith will not be in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies. The left-handed hitting Smith struggles against southpaw pitchers, posting a lowly 47 wRC+ in 121 plate appearances versus lefties in 2025. Ezequiel Duran will start at second base in Smith's place as the Phillies send left-hander Jesus Luzardo to the mound.

Why it matters

Smith is expected to be the Rangers' everyday second baseman this season after the team traded away Marcus Semien in the offseason. However, the club will look to shield the 28-year-old from left-handed pitching, as his career numbers indicate he is significantly less effective against southpaws.

The details

Smith served as a super-utility player for the Rangers in 2025, but with Semien gone, he is poised for more regular playing time at second base this year. The Rangers will still look to sit him against left-handed starters, as his 47 wRC+ versus lefties last season was well below league average.

  • The Rangers face the Phillies on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

The players

Josh Smith

A 28-year-old second baseman for the Texas Rangers who struggles against left-handed pitching.

Ezequiel Duran

A Rangers infielder who will start at second base in place of the left-handed hitting Josh Smith on Sunday.

Jesus Luzardo

The left-handed starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday.

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The takeaway

The Rangers' decision to sit the left-handed hitting Josh Smith against southpaw pitchers like Jesus Luzardo highlights the team's efforts to put Smith in the best position to succeed this season as their everyday second baseman.