Frank

Francisco

He will be eligible to return from his suspension should the Rangers win the west. We won’t hold our breath.

He was 3-0 with a 1.69 ERA over 13 appearances. Francisco, who has a wonderful power arm, may be tiring a bit as he has been hit a little this week.

Francisco was not present at the hearing, which stemmed from his arrest after he threw a chair at Oakland fans Sept. 13. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for Dec. 16.

Francisco, who was sidelined with inflammation, might be ready to begin pitching in games around March 15.

Francisco will rest for a week and then resume throwing. If all goes well, he’ll begin pitching in games around March 15.

The 24-year-old, acquired from the White Sox for Carl Everett last season, has impressed the Rangers since they called him up last week. Tuesday he worked out of a bases loaded jam, and he’s throwing in the 96-97 mph range.

Barring a setback he’ll then be ready to begin a minor league rehab assignment at Double-A.

He gave up a single and walked none. Francisco should join the Rangers before the end of the week. The club might again consider placing Rule 5 pick Fabio Castro on waivers.

Francisco has allowed one hit, walked none and struck out three since the start of his rehab assignment. He could be back in the Texas bullpen before the end of next week.

Francisco, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, has been effective during his rehab assignment, but the Rangers must feel his velocity isn’t yet to the point at which he can help the club. There’s a still a good chance that he’ll be back in the majors before the All-Star break.