Choo puts arm soreness behind him, back in lineup
Outfielder atop Texas order; Martin also returns after battling tight back
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Shin-Soo Choo missed a grand total of one day with arm soreness, as the newly signed Rangers outfielder was back in the lineup for Monday's Cactus League contest against the Indians. Choo batted first and played left.
Choo missed Sunday's contest with what the Rangers termed "Spring Training arm," which basically refers to the normal soreness that comes with an increased workload early in camp.
Also returning to the lineup was center fielder Leonys Martin, who was slotted in the No. 9 spot. Martin has been battling back tightness since early last week, but he was cleared to resume his baseball activities on Sunday. Both Martin and Choo were 0-for-2 on Monday.
As far as the players not slated to play on Monday: Left-hander Rafael Perez (hamstring strain) threw live batting practice on Sunday and felt fine, so he'll pitch an inning in Tuesday's game against the Angels. Elvis Andrus remains sidelined with flexor tendinitis in his right arm, but he played catch.
"He's coming, it's just normal soreness," Rangers manager Ron Washington said of Andrus. "Like I've said, I've got it, too, but I don't have to throw from a position."