LSU coach Paul Mainieri announced Tuesday that shortstop Josh Smith has a stress reaction in his back and will miss at minimum 4-6 weeks to rest and rehab.

Mainieri said Smith felt some discomfort in his back this weekend and sent him for an MRI on Monday morning. Smith will be prevented from doing any activity for four weeks and begin rehab.

“He very courageously played through it all weekend,” Mainieri said. “I could tell he was kind of a step slow out there. We’ll just pray and hope that it heels naturally and then he’ll be able to resume athletic activities in four weeks.”

Through three games, Smith is batting .222 with a home run and four RBIs. 

Freshman Hal Hughes will take over shortstop duties on Wednesday and will be the starter for the immediate future.

Hughes feels he’s prepared to take on the role and went with Smith to lunch on Tuesday to learn more about the in game experience while consoling his fallen teammate.

“I’m excited to get my opportunity and am just going to run with it,” Hughes said. “We talked about it and I know he’s going to support me. Josh is one of my best friends but I just really feel for him.”