If you can recall, Shin-Soo Choo turned his 2015 season around last year with one big series in Houston.
Leading into that series in July, Choo had been dropped to as low as eighth in the order and was even being looked at as a possible platoon player in right field — a far fall for a guy making $20 million a year.
But after that one good series, Choo became one of the best hitters in baseball over the final two-plus months of the season and left Rangers fans wanting more in 2016. More lasted exactly five games before Choo hit the disabled list with a calf strain.
Now, he's set to return to the Rangers' lineup on Friday and guess where? That's right, back in Houston where his 2015 season was given new life less than a year ago.
The Rangers sent pitcher Andrew Faulkner down to Triple-A on Thursday to make room on the 25-man roster for Choo, who was on a rehab assignment this week in Round Rock.
The rumor is Choo will return to right field and shift rookie Nomar Mazara to left field. Mazara has been good defensively in right, but Choo is faster and can cover more ground in the tricky right field at Globe Life Park, so it makes sense.
Don't be shocked to see Choo right back at the top of the lineup with Rougned Odor struggling recently in the leadoff spot. Hopefully, he can get back on track sooner rather than later.
