Frank Francisco’s rehab assignment was delayed earlier this week due to a right knee injury, but he’s now on track to rejoin the Mets when they begin a three-game series Monday in San Francisco.
According to Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com, Francisco allowed one hit while throwing 21 pitches in a scoreless inning yesterday in his second rehab appearance with Double-A Binghamton. It’s a good sign, as he was a little rusty in his first appearance Wednesday, where he gave up one run on three hits and a walk over two-thirds of an inning. He’s expected to make his third appearance today, which should clear the way for his activation.
Francisco has been on the disabled list since June 23 with a strained left oblique. He had a minor setback with the oblique earlier this month and required a cortisone shot to relieve discomfort in his right knee earlier this week.
Francisco, 32, has compiled a 4.97 ERA and 31/14 K/BB ratio over 29 innings this season while converting 18 out of 21 save opportunities. Bobby Parnell is currently serving as the closer, but he should move back into a set-up role up Francisco’s return.