Shin-Soo Choo's right thumb is improving and that's good news for the Indians as the second half opens Friday against Detroit at Progressive Field.
Shin-Soo Choo got in some soft-toss hitting as the Indians returned to Progressive Field on Thursday and is optimistic about a quick return to the team.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Shin-Soo Choo could start taking batting practice Saturday with the Indians if his right thumb cooperates.
He hit off a tee Wednesday and was in the batting cage Thursday before the Indians prepared for the second half with a late-afternoon workout at Progressive Field. Choo participated in the workout as well.
"I took soft toss [underhand tosses from a coach] and hit in the cage," said Choo, still sweating from the effort. "I was almost swinging at 100 percent."
If Choo gets through batting practice Saturday, he could travel to Minneapolis on Monday and continue working with the team during their three-game series against the Twins. Choo was placed on the disabled list July 4 with a strained ulna collateral ligament in his thumb. He could be activated sometime during the Twins series.
After Choo injured his thumb attempting a diving catch against Oakland on July 2, it was thought he'd need surgery and miss six to eight weeks.
"The MRI looked bad," said Choo. "It looked like the ligament was torn, but Dr. [Thomas] Graham tested my thumb and he said it was stable."
Choo kept the thumb immobilized for about a week, but now wears a splint only at night. He'll wear a protective device inside his glove to prevent the thumb from being bent backward.
"He's moving right along," said manager Manny Acta. "He's making a lot of progress."
Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, out since May 17 with a broken left forearm, was scheduled to continue his rehab assignment Thursday night with Class AA Akron. In two games with Class A Mahoning Valley, he had two hits in six at-bats. Acta said Cabrera will probably need about 30 at-bats before he's ready to be activated.
"The reports have been positive on Asdrubal so far," said Acta. "We'll make the decision when we feel he's ready."
Spot me: The Indians will need a spot starter Tuesday against the Twins. It will be a one and done deal for whoever gets called up from Class AAA Columbus.
"Unless he throws a perfect game," said Acta. "If that happens, then we'll have to change our mind."
Carlos Carrasco, Josh Tomlin and David Huff are options at Class AAA Columbus. Acta has already said Carrasco will get an extended look in the second half. Thursday he said Tomlin could get a chance as well. Huff opened the season in the Tribe's rotation, but was sent down after going 3-9.
Carrasco went 7-4 with a 4.38 ERA in the first half. He started Thursday for the Clippers and would be on schedule to start Tuesday.
Tomlin went 8-3 with a 2.58 ERA in the first half. He threw a scoreless inning Wednesday against the Pacific Coast in the Class AAA All-Star game.
Don't stop believing: Acta met with his players for several minutes down the left-field line before Thursday's workout.
"I hope everybody recharged their batteries," said Acta. "It was nice that we had a four-day break. There's a lot of baseball left.
"A month or so ago, we left Chicago and it didn't look like they were going anywhere. Now they're in first place. Let's just play the game ... you never know."
The White Sox, Twins and Tigers came out of the break within 3 1/2 games of each other in the AL Central.
"Until you have that X next to your name in the standings [meaning a team has been eliminated], you never know what can happen," said Acta. "That's why our division is so great. A month ago no one was envisioning what's going on today in the Central."
Finally: The Mariners acquired Jamey Wright from Oakland and brought him to the big leagues. Wright started the season with the Indians before being released.