News is good for Choo, LaPorta

ARLINGTON, Texas: The Indians might have gotten lucky, if the preliminary medical reports on Shin-Soo Choo and Matt LaPorta stand up.

After visiting the Cleveland Clinic Tuesday, noted hand specialist Dr. Tom Graham recommended that Choo keep his sprained left thumb in a splint for the next seven to 10 days rather than go directly to the operating room. That does not mean Choo absolutely won't have to repair the thumb surgically, but Graham thinks there is a reasonable chance it will heal on its own.

If it turns out that Graham has to operate, Choo will miss six to eight weeks following the surgery. In other words, at best he would return to the team in early September.

LaPorta visited as hospital after Monday night's game to undergo a C-T scan to make certain he did not suffer a concussion after being struck in the back of the head by Elvis Andrus' elbow, as he tried to beat out a ground ball to shortstop. LaPorta backed up to take the throw at first, and Andrus threw up his elbow.

The C-T scan was negative, and LaPorta has yet to show any concussive symptoms. However, he will undergo neurological testing tonight and do some cardio work, which sometimes triggers symptoms of headache or light-headedness. LaPorta might be back in the lineup Wednesday or Thursday if he does not have any setbacks.