Smith (glute/wrist/illness) began a rehab assignment at Double-A Frisco on Saturday.
Smith has battled a glute injury, wrist inflammation and viral meningitis since landing on the injured list in early May, but he is now finally ready to begin playing in minor-league games. It's unknown how long the Rangers plan to keep the 28-year-old out on assignment, but he'll likely require a handful of rehab games after sitting out a month-plus.