Moreland makes start in left field

HOUSTON -- Mitch Moreland made his second start in left field on Monday, with Shin-Soo Choo at designated hitter. The original lineup had Choo in left, but manager Ron Washington moved Moreland out there from designated hitter after re-considering his options.

Washington said he has been trying to get Moreland more time in the outfield and decided that Minute Maid Park would be a good spot because it has a relatively small left-field area.

"He has been out of the lineup for a while," Washington said. "If I can get him active on the field again, it might get him going."

Going into Monday night, Moreland had started just two of the Rangers' last eight games. They had faced four left-handers in that stretch while two games against right-handers were in Colorado with no designated hitter being used.