Rangers lose Shin-Soo Choo, Robinson Chirinos to lengthy absences

Lady Injury Luck is frowning upon the Texas Rangers once again in 2016.

According to a statement by Rangers Executive Vice President of Communications John Blake on Sunday, right fielder Shin-Soo Choo is out for four to six weeks with a grade 2 right calf strain. Meanwhile, catcher Robinson Chirinos is facing an even longer absence with a fractured right forearm that is expected to sideline him for 10 to 12 weeks.

Chirinos will be sidelined 10-12 weeks with a fractured right forearm. Choo will miss 4 to 6 weeks with a grade 2 right calf strain.

— John Blake (@RangerBlake) April 10, 2016

The reigning AL West champions have opened up the 2016 campaign with a record of 3-3. But now without two of their biggest bats, Texas will be facing an uphill climb to maintain their perch atop a rapidly improving division.

The Rangers’ catching depth behind Chirinos is virtually non-existent meaning they could pursue an out-of-house option. Meanwhile, talented but unproven outfielder Nomar Mazara, a 20-year-old rookie, will likely fill in for Choo as the team’s everyday right fielder.

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