Shin-Soo Choo could return tonight

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

Arlington, Tex – Texas Rangers outfielder Shin-Soo Choo isn’t in today’s lineup against the Oakland Athletics to start this short 3-game home stand.  Michael Choice will again get to play in left and be the lead-off batter for the Rangers.

Choo has been listed day-to-day and there was some consideration to place him on the 15-day disabled list.  But, after a few days rest his bruised ankle has improved.

Today he was able to do some running on the field and all reports say he’s cleared to play.  If Choice wasn’t available he would have probably made the starting lineup.

Ron Washington has said that Shin-Soo Choo could be brought in later tonight to get a few at-bats.   He should be back in the starting lineup tomorrow.

Michael Choice has done well in the lead off spot so far.  He’s been able to draw few walks and has 5 RBI in all of his appearances in Choo’s spot.   The Texas Rangers depth has managed to carry the team over 13 players being placed on the disabled list and allowed the to be tied for the best record in the American League West.

When Choo comes back to the lineup, the Rangers will have their number one on-base guy back.  Also, Choo has demonstrated some power behind the plate.  Last week against the Athletics’ Sonny Gray he managed hit a home run in the first inning to give Yu Darvish his first run support of the season.

If the Rangers didn’t have the depth that included the players such as Michael Choice, missing another player like Choo would have hurt the 6-game road trip, but luckily the replacements have played very well, almost to the level of their counterparts.  Hopefully the Rangers won’t have to do this all season.  It might not have the same results over 162 games.