Choo’s injury, Odor’s looming suspension put Rangers’ bench in bind

A decision looms for the Texas Rangers and another Shin-Soo Choo injury is complicating the matter.

Rougned Odor’s eight-game suspension for punching Jose Bautista on May 14 has been on hold during an appeals process. The league is likely to announce his suspension Monday or Tuesday. When Odor’s suspension begins, for however long, the Rangers will be forced to play a man down for the length of the suspension per MLB rules.

Choo, who left the game after straining his left hamstring while scoring on a third-inning Prince Fielder double Friday, was not in the lineup Saturday. Choo said it felt better after treatment Friday night and Saturday afternoon but he’s unlikely to play before Monday.

Manager Jeff Banister said Choo was available as a pinch hitter Saturday but admitted the potential was unlikely because it would require Choo to have a pinch runner.

“We’re going to give it a couple days to see if it calms down and see where he’s at,” Banister said. “There will be a convergence of decision-making that could present a challenge. We know we’re going to have to play short at some point, but we’re not in a position to play ultra short.”

If Choo is still unavailable Monday, the Rangers will likely have to send a reliever down to bring up a position player while Odor is serving his suspension. Otherwise, they’ll be playing with a two-player bench, including a catcher.

Choo, who missed 35 games while on the disabled list with a strained right calf, was disappointed by the developments.

“Oh, yeah, definitely. You miss six weeks and come back to play and have an injury the first day,” he said. “That’s not good.”

Choo was running before Saturday’s game at 50 to 60 percent, he said. The hamstring was better, but still had some tightness to it.

“I know my body. I don’t want to make it worse. It doesn’t feel like yesterday, but it’s not normal either,” he said.

Choo said getting an MRI scan was a possibility if it doesn’t improve in the next day or so.

Altuve on Odor

Astros second baseman Jose Altuve and Odor are friends, but hearing a compliment still feels good.

When Odor was told of Altuve’s praise for him as a player, the fellow Venezuelan was genuinely pleased. Altuve said he expects Odor to win a Gold Glove in the future.

“Altuve is a great guy, great person and great player,” Odor said. “It’s good to hear that from him. I really appreciate it.”

While in the minors, Odor, 22, looked up to Altuve, metaphorically, at least. Odor is only 5-foot-9 (although the media guide claims he’s 5-11). Altuve, 26, is just 5-6.

“We are little guys,” Odor said. “I play hard, he plays hard. That’s how we are.”

Beasley reunion

Rangers third base coach Tony Beasley is back in the dugout this weekend with the team in Houston.

Beasley has been in Houston the past three weeks to receive chemotherapy treatment for cancer.

He has 2 1/2 weeks remaining before he returns home to Arlington.

Beasley said the treatments are going well. Many Rangers players were wearing T-shirts before Saturday’s game with a Beasley quote across the chest: “Did You Win Today? — Tony Beasley.”

Griffin throwing

Right-hander A.J. Griffin has thrown from 70 feet the past two days but has yet to throw from a mound.

He’s building up strength since he went on the disabled list May 8 with right shoulder stiffness. He’s eligible to come off the DL on Monday. He hopes to throw off a mound soon.

This story was originally published May 21, 2016 at 8:09 PM with the headline "Choo’s injury, Odor’s looming suspension put Rangers’ bench in bind."