Texas Rangers outfielder Shin-Soo Choo is heading to the 15-day disabled list with a back injury, per Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
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Choo Received Anti-Inflammatory Injection
Wednesday, July 20
Stevenson noted Choo made his first start since the All-Star break on Tuesday and was dealing with lower back stiffness before receiving the injection. Stevenson wrote that "the Rangers hope he's able to return in two weeks."
This is another setback for Choo after he went on the disabled list earlier in the year because of a strained hamstring. That happened one game after he returned from a previous DL stint with a calf injury.
Thus far, Choo has a .260 batting average, seven home runs and 17 RBI in 2016.
Losing him for significant time would be a blow for the Rangers, considering he is a productive force at the plate who has been in the big leagues since 2005. He has registered a .300 batting average or better in three different seasons and has four years of 20 or more home runs on his resume, including the 2015 campaign, when he drilled 22 long balls and tallied 82 RBI for Texas.
While Choo helped the Rangers reach the postseason last year, they will likely turn toward the future when looking for a replacement.
The 22-year-old Joey Gallo and 21-year-old Nomar Mazara are both options. MLB.com ranked them as the organization’s No. 1 and No. 2 prospects, respectively, in 2015, which is a testament to how much potential they both bring to the table.
The future is bright for the Rangers with those two, but the team could still use a healthy Choo as it chases a playoff spot in the difficult American League West.
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