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Choo homers in 7-6 Rangers win, shining after All-Star break

July 31, 2015

Texas Rangers’ Shin-Soo Choo, of South Korea, follows through on a run-scoring single off a pitch from New York Yankees’ Masahiro Tanaka in the second inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 29, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

By Brian Han

The Texas Rangers split a four-game series with the New York Yankees after a 7-6 win on Thursday at Globe Life Park.

Ever since the All-Star break, outfielder Choo Shin-soo has been doing his part in helping the Rangers make a push for a playoff spot. That effort included a solo home run against the Yankees lefty C.C. Sabathia.

The 33-year-old veteran is batting .382 (13-34) with three doubles, a triple, two home runs and 10 RBIs over the 13-game span. During that time, he hit for the cycle becoming the only Asian baseball player to ever do so in the major leagues.

It may or may not come as a surprise to hear that manager Jeff Banister has been placing Choo all over the lineup from lead off and now to the seventh spot. He has even been held out of starts to be used in a platoon system — an unorthodox move for a hitter under a seven year, $130 million contract.

“The confidence in his own game is what he needs,” Banister said according to MLB.com. “Choo still possesses all the qualities of a terrific player. I would say he needs confidence and consistency.”

He is hitting .238 on the season with 13 home runs and 48 RBIs.

The Rangers will host the San Francisco Giants on Friday as they try to work their way back from a sub-.500 record (49-52). The team is currently third in the American League West Division where rivals Houston Astros lead the way.

The team will debut its newly acquired ace and 2008 World Series MVP Cole Hamels on Saturday.