Choo still out, but expected to play in series

ANAHEIM — Rangers outfielder Shin-Soo Choo is better, but manager Jeff Banister is still not ready to put him back in the lineup. The Rangers do expect him to play during this three-game series with the Angels in Anaheim.

Choo has been out four straight games while dealing with tightness in his lower back. The injury started bothering him before the All-Star break and has continued.

“Every day it feels a little bit better,” Choo said. “It’s not exactly where I want it but I talked to [Banister] … I said, ‘Nobody plays with their body feeling perfect. I could probably play today,’ but he said probably one more or two more days. The bottom line is I can play.”

Ryan Rua has started four straight games while Choo has been out and the opposing team had a right-handed starter on the mound in each game. Rua was a .333 hitter against left-handers, but .225 against right-handers going into Monday’s game.

Choo is also the Rangers’ best option at the leadoff spot. His .380 on-base percentage in the leadoff spot was the second highest among 21 American League players with at least 100 at-bats there entering Monday. Rougned Odor, who has been the club’s other leadoff hitter, had the lowest at .259.

“Choo has been a very productive hitter for us,” Banister said. “His on-base and he’s got some power up there. It’s the true leadoff professional at-bat that we miss.”

Odor was 1-for-12 in the three games in Chicago and the Rangers scored five runs. The Rangers are 15-16 and averaging 4.06 runs per game with …

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