Choo Shin-soo says stress from DUI arrest is negatively influencing his play
Choo rejoined the Cleveland lineup on Sunday after taking a game off. Cleveland Indians outfielder Choo Shin-soo is taking his DUI arrest hard.
Arrested on May 2 for driving with a blood-alcohol level of .201, Choo said he is not worried about the legal ramifications any longer, but is instead more concerned with how the psychological stress post-incident is affecting his performance.
"I know what the problem is: I try too hard, I think too much -- I need to slow down my mind," the 29-year-old told the Associated Press on Sunday. He was dropped three spots to the sixth batting spot in the lineup against Texas.
Although Choo averaged 21 homers and 88 RBIS and hit .300 during the past two seasons, Sunday's game dropped his average to .242 with five homers and 22 RBIs in 54 games.
In addition to the impact on his performance, Choo said he was also worried about the negative impact on his image in both the United States and Korea.
Choo's was the sixth MLB baseball DUI arrest this year.
