Choo hopes to return to lineup this weekend

Choo Shin-soo of the Cleveland Indians is expected to return to action this weekend after suffering a sprained right thumb. According to the team’s Web site, Choo and Asdrubal Cabrera, who is recovering from a fractured right forearm, will play for the Double-A Akron farm team and return to the Indians lineup for the start of the series against the Tampa Bay Rays on July 24.

“The last time I played was at the beginning of July,” Choo said in an article on the team’s Web site. “So I have not seen a pitcher for 20 days. I participate in batting practice every day, but I want to see a pitcher to get more comfortable.”

Choo injured his right thumb while making a diving catch during a game against the Oakland Athletics on July 3. It was initially thought that Choo suffered torn ligaments in his thumb and that he would miss two months of play. But a closer examination after the swelling subsided revealed a sprain.

Choo, who last year became the first Asian player to reach 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in a season, is currently batting .301 with 13 home runs, 43 RBI and 12 stolen bases.