By Yoon Chul
Cleveland Indians outfielder Choo Shin-soo is expected to be back on the line-up Thursday for the last match of three-game series against the Texas Rangers.
The Indians manager Manny Acta told Cleveland’s local daily, the Plain Dealer Tuesday that “Choo-Choo” train could be activated, Thursday.
"He's going to take it easy today and ease into baseball activities on Wednesday," said Acta.
Choo worked out with the team Tuesday but were not activated.
The Korean outfielder has been on the 15-day disabled list due to an injury on his left side since Sept. 1 with the move retroactive to Aug. 28.
The 29-year-old could have returned from Sept. 12 but the Indians were not in a hurry as they are desperate to join the post season.
Choo returned to the line up from thumb injury on Aug. 12 and until he went back to the disabled list, he batted .369 in 12 games.
As of Tuesday, the distance between the Detroit Tigers – leader of Central Division in American League – and runner-up Indians is 11.5 games with 20 games left.
Choo, who batted .300 recording more than 20 home runs and 20 steals for last two seasons, made agreed on a one-year, $4 million deal for this season but he suffered due to injuries and averaged .260 with eight homers and 36 RBIs in only 84 games.