Shin-Soo Choo Leaves Game With Injury

April 21, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Texas Rangers left fielder Shin-Soo Choo (17, right) is looked at by manager Ron Washington (38, left) after an injury during the seventh inning at O.co Coliseum. The Rangers defeated the Athletics 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Rangers leadoff hitter Shin-Soo Choo left Monday night’s game against Oakland with an apparent ankle injury.  Choo suffered the injury while trying to beat out an infield grounder in the top of the 7th inning.

With the score tied 3-3 in the top of the 7th, Choo led off and hit a liner up the middle that struck A’s pitcher Fernando Abad and careened toward third baseman Josh Donaldson.  Donaldson fielded the ball and made a quick throw to first.  Choo was hustling down the line and lunged for the bag in an attempt to beat the throw and that is when he appears to have suffered the injury.

Choo was initially ruled safe on the play but a replay review overturned the call.

The game remained tied after Prince Fielder struck out with Alex Rios on base.  However, the Rangers scored in the top of the eighth and held on for a 4-3 win.

Choo’s status for Tuesday night’s game is uncertain, though Michael Choice is expected to start tomorrow against Oakland left-hander Tommy Milone.  Choo is hitting .391 against lefties this year, but the injury could present Ron Washington an opportunity to get Choice some needed playing time and give Choo a day off to heal.

Expect the Rangers to tread carefully with this considering all the injury problems the team has had this year and how tricky ankle injuries can be.