Indians’ Choo returns to lineup

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

Shin-Soo Choo doesn’t want to spend another minute this summer watching the Indians — or reruns — on TV. He’s off the couch and on the field.

The Indians’ best all-around player, Choo was activated from the disabled list after being sidelined since July 3 with a sprained right thumb.

“I really missed playing baseball,” the outfielder said before the Indians opened a three-game series with the Tampa Bay Rays. “Sitting and watching on TV is really tough. I really wanted to do something for the team and I couldn’t.”

Choo injured his thumb while diving for a fly ball in a July 2 game. For a while, it appeared he might have to undergo surgery. But he made a remarkably quick comeback and was in manager Manny Acta’s lineup on Friday, batting third and playing right field.

“It’s nice to have him back,” Acta said. “He’s another threat to our lineup. He gives us stability, and he can do more than just hit.”

The Indians led 3-1 in the seventh inning when thunderstorms delayed Friday’s game for a second time.

The Rays came in hoping to snap a 17-game losing streak in Cleveland. It will be tougher to end now that Choo’s back.

“He’s one of the best players in the league,” Tampa manager Joe Maddon said. “He’s a complete player and when I managed the All-Stars last year, I tried to figure out a way to get him on the team. He plays all aspects of the game and plays them very well.”

Choo’s injury was both a blow to the Indians and it cost him a spot on the AL’s All-Star team. When he went down, Choo was batting .286 with 13 homers, 43 RBIs and 12 steals. His return will drop switch-hitting catcher Carlos Santana into the cleanup spot for the first time.