Choice to get start against former team
OAKLAND -- Rangers outfielder Michael Choice will get to face his old team on Tuesday as manager Ron Washington is planning to start him against Athletics left-hander Tommy Milone.
This will be Choice's sixth start in 21 games and they have all been against left-handed starters. He went into Monday 5-for-25 with one home run, but the Rangers are still comfortable Choice is getting enough playing time without hurting his development.
"I think I'm doing a great job of getting him playing time," Washington said. "With what we have, I'm doing my best to get him out there. If I can get him one or two starts a week, we can keep him sharp. Teams seem to want to throw lefties against us so he'll get his at-bats."
The Rangers acquired Choice and Minor League infielder Chris Bostick from the Athletics in the winter for pitcher Josh Lindblom and outfielder Craig Gentry. Choice was the Athletics' No. 1 draft pick in 2010 and the Rangers expect him to one day be an everyday player. But right now he has to adapt to being the fourth outfielder.
"I feel like I'm starting to adjust to the role, little by little," Choice said. "Your natural instinct is to want to be out there every day but I'm adjusting."
When Choice plays, it usually means designated hitter Mitch Moreland sits. Washington's job could get harder later this week when Adrian Beltre comes off the disabled list and returns to third base. Kevin Kouzmanoff, who was the American League Player of the Week, has been playing well in Beltre's absence and, with Jim Adduci on the disabled list, he'll likely have to fill a similar role to Choice as a right-handed hitter off the bench.
"Certain guys are going to play and certain guys are going to have to wait," Washington said. "That's the makeup of the team. Kouzmanoff is a class act. It's not going to be an issue when Beltre returns. That's what his value is. He plays baseball no matter what the situation. He's been a godsend. To do what he's done, I don't know where we would be without him."