Texas Rangers activate OF Shin-Soo Choo

The Texas Rangers activated veteran outfielder Shin-Soo Choo from the 15-day disabled list prior to Thursday's game against the host Baltimore Orioles.

Left-hander Dario Alvarez was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock to free up a spot for Choo, who is expected to bat in the leadoff position in the series finale versus the Orioles.

The 34-year-old Choo is being looked upon to provide a jolt at the top of the lineup for the Rangers, who have received minimal production from that spot. Texas' leadoff hitters have posted a .224 on-base percentage since the All-Star break.

Choo is batting .260 with seven homers and 17 RBIs in 33 games this season.

Alvarez owns a 3-1 mark with a 3.78 ERA in 18 appearances with Atlanta and Texas in 2016.