Choo set to play as designated batter

SEOUL, March 5 (Yonhap) -- Choo Shin-soo, a South Korean Major leaguer, will play
for his national team at the second World Baseball Classic (WBC) tournament,
despite a minor elbow injury, South Korea's baseball governing body said
Thursday.

Cleveland Indians outfielder Choo, who joined the squad last week, complained of
pain in his left elbow ahead of a warm-up against Japanese club Seibu Lions in
Tokyo Monday. Cleveland then demanded that Choo be sent to the United States for
further checkups, raising speculation that the Major leaguer may skip the
regional round that started in Tokyo on Thursday.
The Korea Baseball Organization said that a WBC's sub-commission regarding
players' injuries allowed Choo to play at the first round for the tournament only
if he runs as a designated batter.
The organization also said that if team Korea advances to the second round to be
held in the U.S. starting on March 14, it will decide whether he can play at
defense as well as offense.
The 26-year-old batter made his Major League debut with Seattle Mariners in 2005
and was traded to Cleveland in 2006. After elbow surgery, he played 94 games last
season, hitting 0.309 with 14 home runs.
Choo, the only leaguer in the squad, is expected to play a key role in the
national team in which pitcher Park Chan-ho and infielder Lee Seung-yeop refused
to participate due to their vulnerable status in their clubs.
South Korea will meet Taiwan on Friday, seeking to repeat their championship
glory in the Beijing Olympics and the semifinalist position in the inaugural WBC.
brk@yna.co.kr
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