GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) - Shin-Soo Choo has been cleared by South Korea to play in the World Baseball Classic, though a sore left arm will limit him to designated hitter duties only in the first round.
A representative of the Korean club sent an e-mail to Indians officials on Thursday, saying that Choo's condition will be monitored carefully and that it is hoped he will play in the WBC. The e-mail said Choo experienced tightness in his triceps and it was not related to the elbow transplant surgery the left-hander underwent in September 2007.The official said team doctors believe the muscle soreness was caused by the climate change between the team's training camp in Hawaii and Japan, where the South Koreans open WBC play Friday against Taiwan.
Choo originally was cleared to play only one game in the outfield in the first round.
The Indians would prefer that Choo return to their training camp for evaluation, though general manager Mark Shapiro said the ultimate decision rests with the outfielder.
Should South Korea advance to the second round in San Diego, the team would train in Arizona and the Indians would send their own medical staff to evaluate his condition.
Choo began the 2008 season on the disabled list. He returned to the Indians on May 30 and hit .309 with 14 homers and 66 RBIs in 94 games.
Choo is the only major leaguer on the South Korea roster.
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