Shin-Soo Choo Shut Down for Season

Shin-Soo Choo’s disappointing 2011 season has come to an abrupt end.  Choo has been shut down by the Cleveland Indians after aggravating his left oblique.

Choo was in his first at bat after missing nearly 3 weeks due to a strain in his left side.  After taking the first pitch for a ball, Choo made an awkward attempt at the second offering from Rangers starting pitcher Alexi Ogando.  Choo told reporters after the game that it was after this swing that he first experienced discomfort.

On his second cut, Choo fouled a pitch off his foot.  While I’m sure his foot wasn’t feeling the greatest, Choo said this is when he really started to feel the pain in his side.  Choo finished the at bat, ultimately grounding out, and was removed before the next half inning.

After the game, Cleveland and Choo were very adamant about the fact that Choo had been swinging pain-free for 5 straight days.

Choo sustained his original oblique injury back at the end of August.  The injury lingered, and the Indians ultimately added Choo to their 15 day disabled list to try to get him healthy for the end of the season.

It was Choo’s second trip to the DL this year.  Choo missed a month and a half of action after taking a Jonathan Sanchez fastball off his left hand.  The pitch broke Choo’s thumb and the injury required surgery.

Not all Choo’s troubles this season have been injury related.  After getting off to slow start, Choo was arrested on the 2^nd of May and charged with driving under the influence.

After returning for the Indians, Choo’s offensive woes continued.  Before his first trip to the disabled list, Choo had only managed a line of .244/.333/.353.  Once he returned, Shoo showed that he may finally be getting comfortable at the plate, only to return to the DL within weeks.

Choo finishes the year.259/.344/.390 with 22 extra base hits, 36 RBI’s and 12 stolen bases in his 85 games played.

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