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Rua gets chance to play in hometown of Cleveland
- Updated: May 30, 2016
CLEVELAND — Ryan Rua was first up for the two Rangers outfielders from Ohio in their three-game series at Progressive Field.
Rua, who is from nearby Amherst, was in left field Monday night even with right-hander Josh Tomlin on the mound for the Indians. Rua, a right-handed hitter, has been platooning with Jared Hoying, a left-handed hitter, since Shin-Soo Choo has been on the disabled list.
But the Indians are throwing three right-handers in the series. Manager Jeff Banister wanted Rua to play at Progressive Field for the first time as a Major Leaguer and felt that Tomlin was a good matchup for him.
“I like those stories,” Banister said. “We’re in the business of winning and I believe in both of those guys.”
Hoying is from Fort Loramie, which is 160 miles southwest of Cleveland near the Indiana border. He played collegiately at the University of Toledo, while Rua played at Lake Erie College just northeast of Cleveland.
“Hoying will get his chance,” Banister said.
Rua entered Monday hitting .284 with two home runs, eight RBIs and a .420 slugging percentage in 30 games and 88 at-bats. He also has four stolen bases after having just one in 56 games over the previous two years.
“We challenged him to play faster and he has taken that to heart,” Banister said. “He’s being aggressive. Last …
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