Soriano available for team needing DH

ARLINGTON -- The Rangers are a team without a designated hitter. Alfonso Soriano is a proven Major League hitter who has been designated for assignment.

The Rangers aren't going to claim him off waivers but Soriano could be an option for a team that took a chance on Carlos Pena last month. The Yankees designated him for assignment on Sunday and have 10 days to trade him or put him through release waivers. If he is released, Soriano is free to sign with anybody at the pro-rated minimum.

Soriano, 38, was let go because he wasn't hitting and had lost playing time with the Yankees. In 67 games, he was hitting .221 with six home runs, 23 RBIs and a .367 slugging percentage. Since May 26, he had eight hits in 55 at-bats and the only two extra base hits were a pair of doubles. But in 2013, he hit .255 with 36 home runs and 104 RBIs.

Shin-Soo Choo was at designated hitter for the Rangers on Tuesday night for the second straight game with Jake Smolinski making his first Major League start in left field. Daniel Robertson started in left field on Monday.

Manager Ron Washington wanted to give Choo a couple days at designated hitter because he has been dealing with a sprained left ankle since April 21. Choo will likely be back in left field on Wednesday with either Smolinski or utility infielder Adam Rosales at designated hitter.

"[Choo] played a lot of ballgames in the field on the road trip," manager Ron Washington said. "I just wanted to give him a break. He'll probably be back out there tomorrow."