Shin-Soo Choo begins his rehab stint today in Round Rock after being on the disabled list since early April due to a strained right calf. He should be good to go in a couple of weeks.
So here’s the question, what do you do with the Rangers outfield once Choo returns?
Nomar Mazara has been patrolling Choo’s spot in right field and the 21-year old rookie is playing lights out. Ian Desmond, a former All-Star infielder who was playing in left for Texas, has now moved to center after Delino Deshields was optioned to Round Rock. Ryan Rua is currently playing left, but is likely the odd man out. However, Rua has also seen some time at first base so the utility role isn’t out of the question. All three can catch the ball and throw lasers.
Another factor to consider, Mazara has been batting in the third spot lately and Desmond is on fire at the plate. Rua is also making solid contact, hitting around .300 this season.
But wait, there’s more. If these three continue to rake at the plate and Prince Fielder continues to struggle, do you use Choo more in the DH spot? Does Choo go back to right and you platoon Rua and Mitch Moreland at first base and/or DH? G-M’s will tell you it’s a good problem to have, but still a tough decision to make.
What about Desmond in left, Choo in center and Mazara staying in right? Well, Choo played centerfield for the Reds, and it sounds like he wasn’t a big fan of it. He’s more comfortable in right field.
A lot of questions and possibilities thrown out there and we still may have a couple of weeks to see how this plays out. It will be interesting to see what happens once it does.
