How Skip Schumaker's experience, communication has benefited Rangers' Josh Smith amid slump

TL;DR

Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker's communication style has positively impacted Josh Smith during his slump. After two games off to reset, Smith expressed appreciation for Schumaker's support and clarity.

Key points

Skip Schumaker is the Texas Rangers manager.
Josh Smith was given two games off to reset his performance.
Smith's batting average was .193 before the break.
Schumaker emphasizes clear communication with players.
Smith appreciated Schumaker's support during his slump.

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Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker high fives players in the dugout before a baseball game against the Athletics at Globe Life Field on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Arlington. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News) DETROIT — Rangers manager Skip Schumaker is less than a decade removed from his tenure as a player and the highs or lows that accompanied it. The latter can oftentimes be most beneficial in his current position. "I've been benched plenty of times," Schumaker said before Sunday's game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park, "and it sucked, but at least I knew why I was being benched and what I could do to be back out there in a role I wanted to be in." So, when second baseman Josh Smith was given two games off to reset amidst a season-long slump, a clear explanation was given. "He's amazing," Smith said with a smile Sunday when asked about his conversations with the manager. "He's the real deal with communication." Schumaker believes it's a prerequisite for his job, because through his experiences on the field and on multiple staffs, he knows that "players just want to know where they stand" even if "they don't always love to hear it." Smith, in his first season as an everyday starter at one singular position, had slashed .193/.306/.217 before his two-game break, struck out twice on pitch clock violations in the week prior and made a handful of uncharacteristic defensive miscues. It prompted Schumaker to sit Smith for Wednesday's series finale vs. the and Friday's series opener against the Tigers and for a pair of starts at second base. Schumaker, in that same decision, though, reiterated the 28-year-old's importance to the club because "you have to have some belief in the player when they fail." He referenced third baseman who, after an 0 for 18 start to the season and a mental reset day of his own, . "It gives you a sense of confidence that he still believes in you, still trusts you and still wants you to do well," Smith said. "It makes you want to play for him and do well for him. That's kind of the way I've felt. No matter what happens — I know it's a business — but he's been great." Smith went 2 for 4 in Saturday's loss to the Tigers, his first start since his reset, and started Sunday's finale.

Q&A

How has Skip Schumaker helped Josh Smith during his slump?

Skip Schumaker has provided clear communication and support, helping Josh Smith understand his role and regain confidence after a difficult stretch.

What were Josh Smith's statistics before his two-game break?

Before his break, Josh Smith had a batting average of .193 with a .306 on-base percentage and a .217 slugging percentage.

What did Josh Smith say about his relationship with Skip Schumaker?

Josh Smith praised Schumaker for his amazing communication skills, stating that it gives him confidence and makes him want to perform well for the manager.