Cincinnati Reds outfielder Shin-Soo Choo said Sunday that he would return to the team's lineup on Monday, reports John Fayman of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Choo has missed Saturday and Sunday's games due to a sore thumb.
Shin-Soo Choo injury: Reds OF could return Monday
Choo is having a spectacular season, but has missed this weekend’s games due to a jammed thumb.
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sport
More Reds coverage: Red Reporter
X-rays on the injury came back negative, showing no fracture in the finger. Choo jammed his left thumb sliding head-first into first base in an attempt to beat out a grounder. The thumb is the same one he had surgery on in 2011, leading the Reds to be cautious.
However, the team will be glad to get Choo back in the lineup. Though Cincinnati has a playoff spot all but locked up, it remains three games behind the Cardinals for first place in the NL Central and would prefer to skip a wildcard round.
Choo, 31, is in the midst of arguably the best season of his career. Over 148 games, he has hit .283/.423/.462 with 21 home runs and 18 stolen bases.
Speedster Billy Hamilton will start in center field on Sunday while Choo sits.
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