Shin-Soo Choo leaves Rangers game, will have MRI
By Matt Fisher
After all the fuss, the play was overturned.
Rangers’ left-fielder Shin-Soo Choo bounced one back to the mound that ricocheted off of Athletics’ reliever Fernando Abad’s glove in the top of the 7th. Third baseman Josh Donaldson barehanded the carom and shot it over to first, but Choo was called safe.
As manager Bob Melvin came out to issue the challenge on the play, Choo hobbled around just past the first baseline. The ensuing video review revealed two things: 1) Shin-Soo Choo was out by half of an eyelash, and 2) Shin-Soo Choo had landed awkwardly on the bag, spraining his ankle. The Rangers’ medical staff attempted to tape up the left ankle during the long 3 minute, 40 second review, but Michael Choice ended up taking over for Choo in the bottom of the inning.
The team is expecting to be without their lead off hitter and left fielder for at least the next two games. Michael Choice seems a likely temporary replacement, but the team is hoping that an MRI scheduled for Tuesday will prohibit any further roster moves. On an injury-riddled team, the Rangers can ill-afford to lose the man they just signed to a $130 million contract who has an on-base percentage of .432.