Choo surprised by how well BP goes

OAKLAND -- Rangers outfielder Shin-Soo Choo, on the disabled list recovering from a broken left forearm, took batting practice on the field Friday and is holding out hope he could be back in the lineup before the regular season ends.
"It went great," Choo said. "I expected to feel something a little bit, but I was surprised. I didn't feel anything. The ball came off the bat normal. I was very surprised."
This was Choo's first batting practice, and it came against Triple-A Round Rock manager Jason Wood, who is traveling with the Rangers.
"I thought he swung the bat OK," manager Jeff Banister said. "He found the barrel a number of times."
Choo is expected to take batting practice on Saturday and Sunday. If that goes well, the next step would be to go to Surprise, Ariz., and see living pitching in the Instructional League. If that goes well, he could be ready to play against the Rays in the final weekend of the regular season.
"Whether I play in three games, two games or one game, I'm not looking for results," Choo said. "It's just how you feel in the batter's box and on the field."
Choo is still holding out hope that he will be on the postseason roster. He hasn't played in a Major League game since Aug. 15 since he was hit in the forearm by a pitch thrown by Ross Detwiler of the Athletics.
"I want to come back, but I want to make the decision honestly," Choo said. "I want to come back at a Major League level. I want to be able to help the team."
Rangers beat
• The Rangers have recalled left-handed reliever Andrew Faulkner from Triple-A to add depth to their bullpen. He had been working out in Surprise and the Rangers were getting good reports on his throwing.
• Tony Barnette, sidelined with a strained oblique muscle in his left side, threw a bullpen on Thursday and will throw another one on Saturday. After that the Rangers will decide if he is ready to pitch in a game.
• The Rangers have re-signed James Jones to a Minor League contract. He was the outfielder converted to pitcher this season, but then needed Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery on Aug. 24. He will miss the entire 2017 season while undergoing rehabilitation.