Choo makes 40th start as DH
HOUSTON -- Shin-Soo Choo, who started in right field on Friday for the Rangers, was manager Ron Washington's choice as designated hitter on Saturday night against Houston. Choo responded with a four-hit game, collecting his 1000th career hit in the process.
"I just wanted to DH him tonight," said Washington. "Any time I put him in the DH spot it can get him off his feet. My thought process was I have some other guys I'm putting in the lineup and I don't want to DH them because they're too young to DH."
Choo, 32, sprained his left ankle in April and has had problems, but he has played through it. He missed several games in April because of the injury, but has not gone on the disabled list.
Choo has started 61 games in left field, six in right field and Saturday was the 40th time he's been the DH.
In Friday's 4-3 loss to Houston, Choo was replaced in right field in the bottom of the eighth inning by Jim Adduci as a defensive substitution, with the Rangers leading 2-1. Washington said taking Choo out at the time was best for the team.
"When he gets that ankle healthy, you'll definitely see a different Choo in the outfield," said Washington. "I got younger legs that can play out there late in the game.
"If that was a healthy Choo, then Choo stays out there. We got the lead late, then you do it. We're doing what's best for us."