Francisco will be re-evaluated after his outing to see if he

Francisco will be re-evaluated after his outing to see if he is fully recovered from the bout of walking pneumonia that put him on the disabled list. He is scheduled to pitch one inning. If Francisco checks out with a clean bill of health, he could return immediately, sending C.J. Wilson back into his normal setup role.

Francisco slated for rehab outing

Frank Francisco is slated to begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Frisco Friday night, according to MLBblogs.com. He has been on the DL since July 10 due to pneumonia.

Our View: Francisco will be evaluated after his outing to determine if he is fit to be activated from the DL. He could be back in Texas before the end of the week.

Frank Francisco (pneumonia) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment

Frank Francisco (pneumonia) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Frisco on Friday night. Francisco looked strong throwing live batting practice Wednesday. [...]

Francisco (pneumonia) will pitch for Double-A Frisco on a rehab

Francisco (pneumonia) will pitch for Double-A Frisco on a rehab assignment on Friday night, the Rangers' official site reports. [...]

Rangers | Francisco works out Thursday

Anthony Andro, of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, reports Texas Rangers RP Frank Francisco (pneumonia) worked on fielding drills Thursday, July 30, but manager Ron Washington still is unsure when Francisco will be activated from the disabled list.

Frank Francisco (pneumonia) tossed live batting practice Wednesday.

Frank Francisco (pneumonia) tossed live batting practice Wednesday. Francisco faced five batters and also worked on fielding drills. He's hoping to avoid a rehab assignment and rejoin the club early next week. [...]

Francisco (pneumonia) pronounced himself ready to return, though

Francisco (pneumonia) pronounced himself ready to return, though Texas has yet to decide if he'll make a rehab appearance according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. [...]

Francisco out until at least Saturday

News: Texas closer Frank Francisco threw early batting practice Wednesday as he continues to recover from an illness. Manager Ron Washington said the Rangers' closer wouldn't be activated from the DL before Saturday. [...]

Rangers | Francisco won't be activated before Saturday

The Associated Press reports Texas Rangers RP Frank Francisco (pneumonia) won't be activated from the disabled list before Saturday, Aug. 1, according to manager Ron Washington.

Francisco, who hasn't pitched since July 10 because of a bout

Francisco, who hasn't pitched since July 10 because of a bout with walking pneumonia, came away from the throwing session feeling good, and said he's ready to pitch when the Rangers feel he's ready to do so. The big closer has saved 15 games with a 2.28 ERA this season.

Rangers | Francisco throws Wednesday

T.R. Sullivan, of MLB.com, reports Texas Rangers RP Frank Francisco (pneumonia) threw batting practice Wednesday, July 29, and he said he is ready to pitch whenever the team wants him to.

Frank Francisco, on the disabled list with walking pneumonia,

Frank Francisco, on the disabled list with walking pneumonia, is expected to throw live batting practice Wednesday. Francisco tossed a successful bullpen session on Monday and could begin a short rehab assignment soon. [...]

Francisco (pneumonia) threw a bullpen session on Monday and

Francisco (pneumonia) threw a bullpen session on Monday and might progress to batting practice on Wednesday, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. [...]

Francisco (pneumonia) won't be activated until Thursday at the

Francisco (pneumonia) won't be activated until Thursday at the earliest and may require a rehab appearance before he's ready to rejoin the team, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. [...]

Francisco over the pneumonia

News: Texas closer Frank Francisco is recovering from pneumonia, and manager Ron Washington said he did not know when he would be activated. Francisco is over the pneumonia, but has to build up his stamina. [...]

Francisco was eligible to return on Sunday because the move

Francisco was eligible to return on Sunday because the move was made retroactive to July 11. He said he's healthy other than a slight cough, but he doesn't think he needs to throw much to be able to return to game form. Manager Ron Washington said it was unlikely Francisco would be activated during the Tigers series, but could return later this week. C.J. Wilson will continue to get the save opportunities in Francisco's absence.

Rangers | Francisco several days from pitching

T.R. Sullivan, of MLB.com, reports Texas Rangers RP Frank Francisco (pneumonia) is still several days away from pitching. However, he has been throwing and running at the team's stadium, according to general manager Thad Levine.

Francisco (pneumonia) is eligible to come off the DL but likely

Francisco (pneumonia) is eligible to come off the DL but likely won't do so for a few more days, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. [...]

Frank Francisco, on the disabled list since July 20 with walking

Frank Francisco, on the disabled list since July 20 with walking pneumonia, is several days from throwing but has begun light workouts. "He's working out and doing well at the stadium in Arlington, doing his running and throwing," general manager Thad Levine said. [...]

Frank Francisco, on the disabled list since July 20 with walking

Frank Francisco, on the disabled list since July 20 with walking pneumonia, is several days from throwing but has begun light workouts. "He's working out and doing well at the stadium in Arlington, doing his running and throwing," general manager Thad Levine said. [...]

Francisco not ready to return yet

News: Rangers closer Frank Francisco (pneumonia) has been running and throwing at the Ballpark in Arlington, but is still probably a couple of days from coming off the disabled list. [...]

"No way," manager Ron Washington said when asked if Francisco

"No way," manager Ron Washington said when asked if Francisco would be ready to re-join the team on July 26. "He just got out of bed. It's going to take time to get his strength back. He's not going to get it back in two days. We'll see how he progresses with his stamina." Owners who were quick to grab C.J. Wilson could get another save or two while Francisco continues to rest up.

Rangers | Francisco not expected to come off DL Sunday

Jeff Wilson, of The Dallas Morning News, reports Texas Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said he does not expect RP Frank Francisco (pneumonia) to be activated from the 15-day disabled list Sunday, July 26.

Francisco, who hasn't pitched in a game since July 10, started

Francisco, who hasn't pitched in a game since July 10, started feeling under the weather on Saturday and was sent home on Sunday. He has not been hospitalized, but is taking antibiotics and resting at home. It's Francisco's third time on the DL this year; as during Francisco's previous absences, C.J. Wilson will assume the closer duties. Wilson has done well enough in his previous closing stints this season -- he's 7-for-9 in save opportunities -- to warrant a pickup if he's available in your league. Long reliever Willie Eyre was recalled from Triple-A to fill Francisco's roster spot.

Francisco lands on disabled list

Rangers closer Frank Francisco was placed on the disabled list Monday for the third time this season with what was described as a mild case of pneumonia. He was backdated to July 11, so he is able to come off the DL on Sunday.

Rangers | Francisco to DL

The Associated Press reports the Texas Rangers placed RP Frank Francisco (pneumonia) on the 15-day disabled list Monday, July 20, due to a mild case of pneumonia. The move is retroactive to July 11.

Eyre promoted by Texas

The Rangers called up Willie Eyre from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday, according to the Dallas Morning News.

Our View: Eyre, who replaces the DL-bound Frank Francisco on Texas' roster, will be used in middle relief. He's been solid with a 2.29 ERA and 1.07 WHIP over 19.2 innings (10 appearances, two starts) at Triple-A this season, though he's been mostly ineffective with a 5.06 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in 5.1 innings (four appearances) in the majors this year. With that said, there's no reason for fantasy owners to know his name.

Francisco out until at least Sunday

News: The Rangers are again without closer Frank Francisco. Francisco, who has already been on the DL twice for injuries, was put on the 15-day DL Monday because he is unavailable to pitch due to a mild case of pneumonia. Right-hander Willie Eyre is being recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City and is expected to be in the bullpen for Monday night's game against Boston. Francisco last pitched July 10, before the All-Star break. The DL move is retroactive to July 11, meaning the right-hander will be eligible to be reinstated Sunday. The Rangers said Francisco, who wasn't in the clubhouse, was home resting and taking medication. The pitcher started feeling ill Saturday. C.J. Wilson is expected to serve as the Rangers' closer for the time being. [...]

Francisco has been placed on the 15-day DL because of pneumonia,

Francisco has been placed on the 15-day DL because of pneumonia, the Associated Press reports. [...]

Rangers placed RHP Frank Francisco on the 15-day disabled list,

Rangers placed RHP Frank Francisco on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to July 11, with a mild case of pneumonia. This is the third time this year that Francisco has needed to spend time on the disabled list. [...]

It's starting to look like Francisco has finally turned the

It's starting to look like Francisco has finally turned the corner and regained his old form that earned him ninth-inning duties in the first place. Although he's given up four earned runs over his last five innings, he's still whiffed seven batters and, most importantly, he's managed to convert each of his last three save opportunities.

Rangers | Francisco grabs 15th save Friday

The Associated Press reports Texas Rangers CL Frank Francisco allowed one walk and struck out two over one inning of work Friday, July 10, to earn his 15th save of the season.

Texas closer Frank Francisco recorded his 15th save of the season

News: Texas closer Frank Francisco recorded his 15th save of the season on Friday in a 6-4 win over the Mariners. He allowed a walk and struck out two in the scoreless ninth inning, lowering his ERA to 2.28 on the season. [...]

Rangers closer Frank Francisco allowed a solo home run in a

News: Rangers closer Frank Francisco allowed a solo home run in a non-save chance Tuesday at the Angels. He also recorded two strikeouts. The homer was the only hit he allowed. [...]

Analysis: Francisco has accumulated two straight saves as he appears to have regained the full-time closer role. Manager Ron Washington had stated that he wanted Francisco to take over the role again, presuming he had no injury recurrences. It seems all systems are go after his last two efforts.

Mark Teahen went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI Sunday in

Mark Teahen went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI Sunday in a 6-3 Royals win.

Analysis: Francisco has accumulated two straight saves as he appears to have regained the full-time closer role. Manager Ron Washington had stated that he wanted Francisco to take over the role again, presuming he had no injury recurrences. It seems all systems are go after his last two efforts.

Texas RP Frank Francisco worked a 1-2-3 ninth inning on Sunday

News: Texas RP Frank Francisco worked a 1-2-3 ninth inning on Sunday against the Rays to record his 14th save of the season. He struck out a batter in the inning as his ERA fell to 2.10 on the season. [...]

Frank Francisco K'd one batter in an inning to pick up his 14th

Frank Francisco K'd one batter in an inning to pick up his 14th save on Sunday.

Analysis: Francisco has accumulated two straight saves as he appears to have regained the full-time closer role. Manager Ron Washington had stated that he wanted Francisco to take over the role again, presuming he had no injury recurrences. It seems all systems are go after his last two efforts.

Francisco pitched a perfect ninth for his 14th save in Sunday's

Francisco pitched a perfect ninth for his 14th save in Sunday's 5-2 win over Tampa Bay. [...]

Rangers | Francisco earns save Friday

Texas Rangers CL Frank Francisco earned his 13th save of the year Friday, July 3, against the Tampa Bay Rays, according to The Associated Press. In one inning of work, he recorded one strikeout.

Frank Francisco notched his first save since June 3 on Friday

Frank Francisco notched his first save since June 3 on Friday night. He retired the side in order, throwing 11 of 13 pitches for strikes and even recording a strikeout. [...]

Francisco threw a perfect ninth against the Rays Friday to pick

Francisco threw a perfect ninth against the Rays Friday to pick up his 13th save of the season. [...]

Texas closer Frank Francisco worked a scoreless ninth inning

News: Texas closer Frank Francisco worked a scoreless ninth inning on Friday against the Rays in a 3-1 win, earning his 13th save. He struck out one batter in the inning, lowering his ERA to 2.19 with the performance. [...]

Analysis: Francisco's move back to ninth-inning duties spells the end of the line for C.J. Wilson's run as Texas's temporary fireman. Francisco has pitched on consecutive days this season only once, but Washington has no qualms about him throwing multiple days in a row, so long as he doesn't throw plenty of pitches. Still, it would not be a bad idea to hang on to Wilson until Francisco can prove that he can get the job done on back-to-back days.

Frank Francisco struck out one in a flawless ninth to pick up

Frank Francisco struck out one in a flawless ninth to pick up his thirteenth save of the year on Friday.

Analysis: Francisco looked strong in his first outing since Rangers manager Ron Washington gave him his vote of confidence as the Rangers' ninth-inning man of choice. He's been a little shaky lately (5 ER over his last 3 IP), but as long as he has the trust of his skipper, keep plugging him into your starting staff.

Left-hander Neal Cotts underwent Tommy John surgery Thursday

Left-hander Neal Cotts underwent Tommy John surgery Thursday in Cincinnati. Cotts began the season with the Cubs, and compiled a 7.36 ERA in 19 games. He was demoted to Triple-A Iowa, where he was 1-1 with a 2.84 ERA in 12 games. In his last outing June 24, Cotts gave up three runs on three hits and three walks in two-thirds of an inning. Dr. Tim Kremchek performed the operation in Cincinnati.

Analysis: Francisco's move back to ninth-inning duties spells the end of the line for C.J. Wilson's run as Texas's temporary fireman. Francisco has pitched on consecutive days this season only once, but Washington has no qualms about him throwing multiple days in a row, so long as he doesn't throw plenty of pitches. Still, it would not be a bad idea to hang on to Wilson until Francisco can prove that he can get the job done on back-to-back days.

Rangers manager Ron Washington has given Frank Francisco his

Rangers manager Ron Washington has given Frank Francisco his old role as Rangers' closer.

Analysis: Francisco's move back to ninth-inning duties spells the end of the line for C.J. Wilson's run as Texas's temporary fireman. Francisco has pitched on consecutive days this season only once, but Washington has no qualms about him throwing multiple days in a row, so long as he doesn't throw plenty of pitches. Still, it would not be a bad idea to hang on to Wilson until Francisco can prove that he can get the job done on back-to-back days.

Frank Francisco was charged with a blown save when he surrendered

Frank Francisco was charged with a blown save when he surrendered three earned runs to the Angels in the top of the ninth inning on Wednesday, but he picked up the win when the Rangers offense bailed him out in the bottom of the frame.

Analysis: Owners will take the win, but this was otherwise a forgettable outing for the right-hander, who walked two and gave up two hits. With five earned runs surrendered over his last three appearances, Francisco will need to buckle down if he hopes to hold onto the closer job in Texas.

Juan L. Rivera's three-run homer with two outs in the top of

News: Juan L. Rivera's three-run homer with two outs in the top of the ninth off Rangers closer Frank Francisco (2-1) tied the game at 7-all as the Angels erased a six-run deficit on Wednesday. Francisco ended up getting the win after Hank Blalock hit a game-winning home run in the bottom of the ninth. [...]

Rangers | Francisco blows save, picks up win

The Associated Press reports Texas Rangers RP Frank Francisco (2-1) blew the save by giving up three runs Wednesday, July 1, but was credited with the win. It was his first time pitching in the ninth in a save situation since he came off the disabled list June 20.

Rivera productive in loss

Juan Rivera was productive in tonight's 9-7 loss at Texas, as he went 2-for-5 with three RBI. He hit a single and a three-run homer off Frank Francisco which tied the game at 7-7 in the top of the ninth inning.

Our View: Rivera hit his 14th home run, and should continue to generate solid power for fantasy owners. He launched a homer in three of his last four games.

Blalock walk-off draws Texas within half

Frank Francisco blew his second save of the season, but it didn't matter, as Hank Blalock hit his second home run of the game, a two-run walk-off shot, to beat the Angels, 9-7, on Wednesday.

Frank Francisco fell apart in the ninth Wednesday, blowing a

Frank Francisco fell apart in the ninth Wednesday, blowing a save by surrendering three earned runs, but he picked up a win when the Rangers offense bailed him out in the bottom of the frame.

Analysis: The win is certainly a silver lining, but don't be mistaken: this was a complete implosion on the part of a typically steady fireman. Francisco walked two and gave up two hits -- including a homer -- in his worst appearance of the season. That he’s blown a pair of saves and surrendered five earned runs in his last two innings should concern owners enough to keep him on a short leash going forward.

Francisco yielded a game-timing three-run home run in the ninth

Francisco yielded a game-timing three-run home run in the ninth inning on Wednesday, blowing a save chance in his first opportunity since coming off the DL. [...]

Frank Francisco blew his second save of the season against the

Frank Francisco blew his second save of the season against the Angels on Wednesday night. As soon as Ron Washington announced that Francisco was back as the team's closer, he promptly blows Wednesday's game. [...]

Rangers manager Ron Washington announced Wednesday that Frank

Rangers manager Ron Washington announced Wednesday that Frank Francisco has been re-installed as the team's closer. Francisco has been handling setup duties for C. [...]

Francisco back in closer's role

Frank Francisco is back in the closer's role with Texas for tonight's home game against the Angels, according to the Associated Press.

Our View: He has been shut down with tendinitis twice this season, but noted that he is feeling good again, and skipper Ron Washington returned him to the closer's role. He was previously working as a setup man. His fantasy value obviously goes back up following this news.

From The Sports Xchange: This is how manager Ron Washington

News: From The Sports Xchange: This is how manager Ron Washington announced Frank Francisco would resume his duties as closer: "He's back," Washington said with a smile. Francisco, who has spent two stints on the DL this season with a sore shoulder, has not pitched in a ninth-inning save situation since he returned. But Tuesday, for the second time in a week, the Rangers had C.J. Wilson enter in the eighth and Francisco pitch the ninth. Wilson had served as surrogate closer while Francisco was out. The big test came last week when Francisco appeared in back-to-back outings at Arizona. After doing that, even though he allowed a game-tying homer in the second of those outings, Washington determined Francisco was healthy enough to resume closing games. The Rangers haven't had a save opportunity since. [...]

Francisco closed out Texas' 9-5 win over the Angels on Tuesday

Francisco closed out Texas' 9-5 win over the Angels on Tuesday with a pair of strikeouts. [...]

Rangers RP Frank Francisco pitched in the ninth inning Tuesday

News: Rangers RP Frank Francisco pitched in the ninth inning Tuesday against the Angels, but unfortunately it was not in a save situation. Francisco entered the game after C.J. Wilson had trouble closing out a 9-3 lead. Francisco inherited a bases-loaded situation and was greeted by a two-RBI single from Gary Matthews Jr. However, he settled down to strikeout the last two hitters and finish off a 9-5 win. [...]