ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - Rangers closer Frank Francisco has biceps tendinitis and will not be available for at least a couple of days.
Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said Francisco, who is tied for the major league lead with nine saves, will not pitch in Texas' game Tuesday night game against the Seattle Mariners and possibly the entire three-game series."We can't rule out the disabled list," Daniels said.
Francisco began experiencing soreness over the weekend and visited team physician Dr. Keith Meister on Monday. The right-hander had an MRI which did not cause concern.
Francisco, who said he played catch Monday and will do so again Wednesday, doesn't think the injury serious.
"I don't have pain," Francisco said. "My arm is a little sore."
In his first full season as the regular closer, Francisco has not allowed a run in 14 appearances. He has not yielded an earned run since Aug. 25, 2008 - a span of 25 2-3 innings.
"He's a big part of what we're doing," Daniels said. "If he's out a few days, we can get by. If it's longer, then that's something we're going to have to deal with."
C.J. Wilson, who saved 24 games last season, may be the leading candidate to step into Francisco's role. Daniels said that Texas manager Ron Washington may let the game situation dictate who comes out of the bullpen late in games.
Francisco, who last pitched Wednesday in Oakland, missed the entire 2005 season after Tommy John surgery. He became the team's closer last August when Wilson had a season-ending elbow injury.
