Choo better but not ready

SEATTLE -- Outfielder Shin-Soo Choo has reported significant improvement in his sprained left ankle but not enough to get back in the lineup. The Rangers are still giving Choo extra time to get healthy, but there is still a possibility he could go on the disabled list.

"Nobody wants to go on the disabled list," Choo said. "But I don't want to do anything to hurt the team by holding up the roster. I'm positive I will feel better before 15 days. Will it be a couple of days more? I don't know."

Choo said he still feels pain when he runs. He's able to walk, take batting practice and play catch, but the pain is there when he pushes off his foot while running. He took batting practice in the cage on Friday without any problem and will try to hit on the field Saturday. Even though he is still on the active roster, manager Ron Washington said he won't use him as a pinch-hitter.

"He's just starting to move around," Washington said. He's getting there."

The Rangers have an extra player on the bench. But that will likely change on Sunday with Matt Harrison ready to be activated off the disabled list. The Rangers could make room for him by putting Choo on the disabled list or sending infielder Luis Sardinas back to Double-A Frisco.