Rangers’ Franco Says He’s Ready to Play

Texas Ranger second baseman Julio Franco worked out Thursday for the first time in three weeks, and promptly pronounced himself fit enough to come off the disabled list.

After watching the defending American League batting champion work out with University of Texas players, physical therapist Doug Kelsey said Franco’s recovery was right on schedule.

Franco has been on the 15-day disabled list since May 4, suffering with bursitis in his right knee. He said he was scheduled to come off the DL Thursday.

But club officials would not say when Franco would be activated.

“As of now he is still on the disabled list and it is just sort of a day-to-day thing. We just have to keep tabs on it,” Rangers spokeswoman Shelly Durrwachter said in Arlington.

Franco fielded ground balls for about 15 minutes and took 21 swings in the batting cage before running along the outfield fence.

“I don’t seem to be having any pain at all. If it was up to me I’d come back today,” he said between cuts in the batting cage and signing bats, gloves and balls for the Texas players, who are preparing the NCAA tournament.

“It all depends on what my therapist says and how I feel.”

Franco has played in eight games this year, collecting four hits in 16 at-bats. Last season, Franco finished with a .341 average.

He is rehabilitating his knee in Austin by connecting to a specially rigged treadmill created by Kelsey.