Choo to split time in outfield, at DH for rest of season

CLEVELAND -- Shin-Soo Choo started at designated hitter for the second straight game on Sunday. It was also the eighth time he has started at the position in 15 games since the All-Star break.

That's probably the way it will be the rest of the season as Choo deals with his sprained left ankle and the Rangers look at Jim Adduci and Daniel Robertson. Manager Ron Washington said Choo will probably split his time between the outfield and designated hitter.

'I'm going to give him days at DH and some days in the outfield," Washington said. "The guy doesn't like to DH so I've got to get him time in the outfield."

Because of the ankle, the Rangers are probably a better team when Choo is at designated hitter. Both Robertson and Adduci can cover more ground in the outfield. Robertson made a terrific running catch at the wall on Carlos Santana's fourth-inning drive on Saturday, taking a run away from the Indians. Adduci made two terrific catches on Wednesday night in a 3-2 victory over the Yankees.

Choo injured the ankle on April 21 against the Athletics and has been dealing with it ever since. The situation has not improved and Choo went into Sunday hitting .192 in his last 52 games.

"The ankle has been up and down," Choo said. "Some days it's good and some days it's sore. I've said many times I don't like to DH, but in this situation he's giving me time at DH to help the ankle feel good."

Choo is not the Rangers' only hobbled outfielder. Alex Rios still gets treatment for his right ankle, which forced him out of a game against the Blue Jays on July 19.

"I'm still going to run him out there at DH when I can but he wants to play the outfield," Washington said. "I haven't seen it hinder him."