Could Choo’s progress alter Texas’ trade plans?

ARLINGTON — Outfielder Shin-Soo Choo, on the disabled list because of tightness in his lower back, is doing all baseball activities and feeling good about his progress.

“I’m doing everything normal,” Choo said. “I feel normal.”

Choo is scheduled to hit off Derek Holland during a simulated game on Tuesday in Baltimore and that could tell if he’ll be ready to come off the disabled list on Thursday.

But the Rangers keep coming up in odd trade rumors about available hitters, including Carlos Beltran of the Yankees, Jay Bruce of the Reds and possibly even Kendry Morales of the Royals. That seems to suggest the Rangers still have some concerns about Choo being able to produce at a high level down the stretch.

“I have concerns on all [players] when they are on the shelf,” Rangers manager Jeff Banister said. “But [Choo] has kind of hit all the marks. He’s gotten better.”

The Rangers are down one hitter with Prince Fielder out for the season after undergoing neck surgery on Friday. Joey Gallo has been called up to replace Fielder at designated hitter, although the Rangers might be more aggressive toward a veteran hitter if they weren’t so focused on pitching.

Club officials on Saturday continued to suggest that’s where the Rangers were still focused: at least one starter and possibly a backend …

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