Early comeback expected for Choo

By Yoon Chul

Staff reporter

The lone Korean Major Leaguer Choo Shin-soo is expected to return after recovering from an injury earlier than expected.

The Cleveland Indians said on its website, citing manager Manny Acta, that the Tribe outfielder may be called to the lineup from the second half of the season.

The 27-year-old sprained his right thumb on July 4, while attempting a diving grab, and joined the temporarily disabled list.

Initially Choo was expected to have surgery, but has recovered without going under the knife by working with hand specialist, Dr. Thomas Graham.

The Korean athlete is now reportedly practicing with a bat with a brace on his thumb, but it is expected to be removed soon. “He’s progressing a lot faster than we anticipated.

He’s feeling good,” Acta said. “If everything works out the way it’s going right now, he could be back sooner than a lot of us were anticipating.” Before the injury, Choo went .286 with 13 home runs, 43 RBIs and 12 stolen bases, cruising to join the 20-20 club for a second straight year.

Choo’s comeback might be a godsend for the Indians, who are missing several key players out on injuries. Including Choo, three batters from the top of their order are currently unable to play.

Grady Sizemore, who is suffering from a knee injury, is expected to come back in late July, while Asdrubal Cabrera, recovering from a fractured forearm, is supposed to join the squad in the near future.