Frank Francisco dealing with strained flexor pronator
by Adam Moore | CBSSports.com (5/13/2013) Mets assistant general manager John Ricco said Frank Francisco has a mild flexor pronator strain, ESPN reports. Rico added that Francisco will rest for 72 hours before he attempts to throw again.
Francisco has been sidelined since spring training with the elbow injury.
Frank Francisco avoids major issue
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (5/13/2013) Mets relief pitcher Frank Francisco will rest his ailing right elbow after tests revealed no structural damage, Newsday reports. Francisco has been sidelined since spring training with elbow problems and will be pulled from his rehab assignment with Double-A Binghamton.
Frank Francisco hit with another setback
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (5/12/2013) Mets pitcher Frank Francisco will visit a doctor this week after experiencing discomfort in his right elbow, the New York Daily News reports. Francisco is on a rehab assignment with Double-A Binghamton, which was set to expire Thursday, but could possibly miss additional time with the latest setback.
"Now, what this leads to, I have no idea, but we did not have any date etched in stone that we knew he was coming," manager Terry Collins said Sunday. "It's one of those things when you have a guy on the disabled list, you wait until he tells you he's ready to pitch."
Frank Francisco moves up one level
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (5/11/2013) Mets relief pitcher Frank Francisco has been called up to Double-A Binghamton, where he will continue his rehabilitation from offseason elbow surgery.
According to ESPN.com, the team considered bringing up Francisco to the majors due to Jeurys Familia's struggles with biceps tendinitis, but the Mets will likely use the entirety of Francisco's rehab assignment to let him regain his arm strength.
Francisco's rehab assignment expires Thursday.
Frank Francisco's return could be accelerated
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (5/10/2013) The Mets might speed up reliever Frank Francisco's return from the disabled list should reliever Jeurys Familia, who is dealing with bicep tendinitis, require a trip to the DL, ESPNNewYork.com reports.
Previous indications were that Francisco, who is recovering from offsesaon elbow surgery, would continue his rehab at a level higher than Class A. But his presence may be needed sooner than expected should Familia need to be deactivated.
Frank Francisco to see one more level in minors
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (5/9/2013) Mets general manager Sandy Alderson told reporters Thursday that the team is not ready to call up reliever Frank Francisco from his minor-league rehab assignment. Francisco has been pitching at Class A St. Lucie, and Alderson told the New York Daily News that the club wants to see Francisco pitch at another level in the minors before calling him up.
Francisco has tossed five scoreless innings in St. Lucie, and has already progressed to throwing on back-to-back days. The team has not released a timeline for his possible return, but he is expected to serve in a set-up role when he does.
Frank Francisco continues to throw scoreless innings
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (5/8/2013) Mets reliever Frank Francisco (elbow) made another rehab appearance for Class A St. Lucie Wednesday. He walked two and struck out two, while throwing a scoreless inning.
Francisco has tossed five scoreless innings for St. Lucie, allowing one hit and two walks. He has six strikeouts. Francisco pitched Sunday, Monday and Wednesday this week.
Not looking Frank Francisco's way
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (5/7/2013) Mets reliever Frank Francisco is on the verge of returning from the disabled list, but now is not the time for Fantasy owners to grab him. Francisco did save 23 games in 2012, but the team appears confident in Bobby Parnell's ability to hold down the closer's job, leaving Francisco is Fantasy no-man's land.
Parnell has a 1.38 ERA in 13 innings of work this season, and he badly outplayed Francisco a year ago at the end of games. Once Francisco is back to full speed, he should settle into a role in the back end of the bullpen, but he is so erratic that there is very little reason for Fantasy owners to consider adding him.
Frank Francisco nearing his return
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (5/7/2013) Mets reliever Frank Francisco pitched on consecutive days with Class A St. Lucie as he continues to work his way back from offseason surgery on his elbow.
"The reports are his velocity has been good, his command has been pretty good," manager Terry Collins said, per ESPN.
Francisco started his minor-league rehab on April 17, which indicates he has 10 days or less remaining before he is activated. He is expected to make one more outing in the minors before he comes off the disabled list. Collins is expected to keep Bobby Parnell initially as the closer once Francisco rejoins the club.
"Frankie has got to show us that he can pitch back-to-back days up here -- that he's strong enough," Collins said. "We're talking three days in a row. Can he do that? The one thing I don't think we're ready to do is start to juggle our bullpen at this particular moment when Bobby has done such a good job. We'll wait until Frankie gets here to make those determinations."
Francisco posted a 5.53 ERA with 23 saves in an injury-plagued 2012 campaign.
Frank Francisco throws in intrasquad game
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/29/2013) Mets reliever Frank Francisco threw 15 pitches during an intrasquad game on Monday, ESPN.com reports. The right-hander was able to throw 25 pitches during a side session over the weekend as he continues to recover from offseason elbow surgery.
Frank Francisco feeling just 'OK'
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (4/28/2013) Mets pitcher Frank Francisco (elbow) said he felt "OK, (but) not great" after throwing 25 pitches during a side session at the team's spring training site Saturday, ESPN.com reports. Francisco, who has been on the disabled list all season, was re-examined by doctors recently but no structural damage was discovered in his ailing right elbow, manager Terry Collins said.
Frank Francisco back in working line
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (4/27/2013) Mets pitcher Frank Francisco (elbow) is expected to resume his rehab assignment with Class A St. Lucie after staying behind for the team's three-game road trip earlier this week, ESPN.com reports. Francisco's last appearance came on April 20 as he works back from elbow inflammation that plagued him during spring training.
New York pitching coach Dan Warthen said Francisco's velocity is improving, but he has yet to pitch on consecutive days. There is no immediate timetable for his return to the Mets' bullpen.
Mets being cautious with Frank Francisco
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/18/2013) Mets manager Terry Collins is taking a cautious approach with reliever Frank Francisco (elbow), who pitched a scoreless inning Wednesday during a rehab assignment for Class A St. Lucie.
"He's thrown other times where the next day he feels good, and he's thrown where the next day he doesn't feel good," Collins said. "He pitched an inning last night. They said he threw fine. How he came out of it today, when I talked to the people this morning, they didn't even bring it up. They talked about what yesterday was like. So we'll see what the next step is for him here in a day or so."
Frank Francisco perfect in rehab appearance
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (4/17/2013) Mets pitcher Frank Francisco pitched one inning in his first minor-league rehab appearance, striking out one batter while allowing no walks or hits. His fastball sat between 90 and 92 mph, according to ESPNNewYork.com.
Francisco is working his way back from offseason elbow surgery.
Frank Francisco to go on rehab assignment Wednesday
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (4/17/2013) Mets reliever Frank Francisco is slated to begin a rehab assignment at High-A St. Lucie on Wednesday, ESPN New York announced.
Francisco experienced elbow inflammation stemming from December surgery to remove a bone spur. As Francisco was hurt for much of spring, his rehab assignment could be an extended one.
Frank Francisco still waiting for rehab assignment
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (4/17/2013) Mets relief pitcher Frank Francisco (elbow), who was originally scheduled to start his rehab assignment with Class A St. Lucie Tuesday, will have to wait another day.
The Class A affiliate did not use Francisco Tuesday. The team has not released any information on his new rehab assignment date. The right-hander is on the 15-day disabled list and has been sidelined since undergoing surgery to remove a bone spur from his elbow in December.
Frank Francisco ready for rehab assignment
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/15/2013) ESPN.com reports Mets reliever Frank Francisco will begin a rehab assignment with Class A St. Lucie on Tuesday.
The right-hander has been sidelined since undergoing surgery to remove a bone spur from his elbow in December.
Frank Francisco throws simulated inning
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (4/10/2013) Mets relief pitcher Frank Francisco threw an 18-pitch simulated inning Wednesday, according to the New York Daily News. He was initially supposed to throw a bullpen session but felt good and asked to face hitters.
Francisco remains on the disabled list after experiencing inflammation in his surgically-repaired elbow.
Frank Francisco could pitch soon
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (4/8/2013) Mets reliever Frank Francisco could pitch soon, according to Metsblog.com.
Manager Terry Collins said Francisco may pitch in a game this week, though it would be in extended spring training. Francisco had surgery to remove bone chips in his elbow in December, and was shut down after experiencing a set-back during spring.
Frank Francisco pitches in simulated game
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/3/2013) Mets reliever Frank Francisco (elbow) threw an inning during a simulated game Tuesday, reports Newsday. Francisco, who is on the 15-day disabled list, did not appear in a spring game as he had a slow recovery from offseason elbow surgery.
Lingering issue lands Frank Francisco on DL
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (4/1/2013) As expected, Mets relief pitcher Frank Francisco was moved to the disabled list Monday, retroactive to March 22, after missing the entire spring with shoulder problems. With Francisco unable to throw without experiencing lingering pain, New York tabbed Bobby Parnell as its closer to start the season.
Francisco will open on the DL
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (3/30/2013) Mets closer Frank Francisco will begin the season on the disabled list, as he continues to recover from surgery to remove bone chips in his right elbow, MLB.com reported Saturday.
Francisco threw to hitters this week for the first time since the operation, but admitted earlier in the week that he is still dealing with some soreness in the elbow.
At this point, it is not clear when Francisco is expected to join the team, as he has not yet thrown in a game. Bobby Parnell will serve as the team's closer with Francisco out.
Elbow a sore spot for Frank Francisco
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/23/2013) Mets relief pitcher Frank Francisco (elbow) admitted he was "really sore" after facing hitters Saturday for the first time this spring, ESPN.com reports.
Francisco, dogged by elbow problems since the start of camp, threw 25 pitches during batting practice.
"I expect to be sore," he said. "It hurts."
The right-hander said earlier Saturday he hopes to play in a game before the end of the spring, but that appearance could come in a minor-league outing. Francisco is expected to begin the season on the disabled list, leaving Bobby Parnell to serve as New York's closer for opening day.
Frank Francisco still holding out hope
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/23/2013) Mets relief pitcher Frank Francisco (elbow) is scheduled to throw live batting practice Sunday and could be inserted into a Grapefruit League game next week, the New York Post reports.
Francisco has been troubled by elbow soreness throughout the spring and could begin the season on the disabled list.
Still, the right-hander remains hopeful he will be able to make his spring debut before the end of the month.
"I think I’m going to pitch in a game before spring training ends," Francisco said.
Frank Francisco throws bullpen session
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/16/2013) ESPN reports Saturday that Mets projected closer Frank Francisco, who is dealing with an elbow injury and may not be ready for the regular season, threw a bullpen session. He is scheduled for two more bullpens before he'll be cleared to throw live batting practice.
The Mets have said Bobby Parnell will be their closer if Francisco is not ready.
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/10/2013) After his scheduled session was pushed back from Saturday, Mets relief pitcher Frank Francisco (elbow) was able to throw off a mound for the first time this spring without any noted issues, ESPN.com reports. Francisco has been sidelined since camp opened with right elbow inflammation and is questionable for the start of the regular season. "I actually heard he threw very well today," manager Terry Collins said.
Francisco heading for mound work
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (3/7/2013) Mets relief pitcher Frank Francisco plans to throw off a mound for the first time this spring Saturday, as he continues to improve from elbow inflammation. Francisco did long toss from 130 feet Thursday, and seems to be getting closer to full strength. "I just feel like I've got to get my strength -- throw a little more maybe, get my power back," Francisco told ESPN.com. "I feel like I'm not loose yet, like I don't have power, my whole body. I feel like I don't have my release point yet. That takes a while." Despite his progress, Francisco remains likely to begin the season on the disabled list.
Hope fading for Francisco
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/1/2013) Mets manager Terry Collins admitted Friday that relief pitcher Frank Francisco might not be ready for the start of the regular season due to lingering inflammation in his right elbow, The Star-Ledger reports. Francisco had surgery last December to remove bone spurs from his right elbow, but only resumed throwing off flat ground last Monday. Bobby Parnell has already been dubbed the team's closer in his absence. "I don’t think Frankie's going to be ready for opening day so it'll be Bobby and he can take that job and run with it," Collins said.
Francisco still has time
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/25/2013) ESPN reports Mets manager Terry Collins said the team "right now" still has a plan in place for closer Frank Francisco (elbow) to get ready in time for opening day. Francisco played catch with Collins Monday from 60 feet. He made 25 tosses. It was the first time he has thrown since being shut down at the start of camp with elbow inflammation. "It's a step forward, for sure," Collins said. "The swelling has subsided. The discomfort has subsided. And so now we've got to take these gradual baby steps as we get closer to getting him back to where he needs to be. ... We have a thing in the organization where basically, before he can get on the mound, we'd like him to get to 150 feet. When he gets there, then we'll get him on the mound."
Francisco to throw on Monday
by Al Melchior | Data Analyst (2/21/2013) The Bergen Record reports that Mets closer Frank Francisco will play catch on Monday. He has been shut down for more than a week due to elbow inflammation, but Mets manager Terry Collins had indicated earlier this week that Francisco would be ready to throw within a few days.
Francisco close to throwing?
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/19/2013) ESPN reports Mets closer Frank Francisco, who has been shut down because of elbow inflammation in his surgically repaired elbow, is expected to be cleared to begin light baseball tossing in 4-5 days. Manager Terry Collins said he would like Francisco to throw at least two innings in order to be ready by opening day. "[We can] have him throw innings and let him take a couple days before the season opens and he could probably be ready," Collins said, per The Star-Ledger. "But I'm not sure where he'll be."
Francisco out at least two weeks
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/13/2013) Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said Wednesday closer Frank Francisco's delay in recover from December elbow surgery was sidetracked by personal issues. The Mets said Tuesday Francisco has been shut down because of elbow inflammation. Manager Terry Collins said Wednesday it could be two weeks before Francisco throws again. "It's not alarming, only in the sense that I suspected this might be the case for some time following his offseason," Alderson said, per ESPN. "He's had a difficult time with some personal issues. I'm disappointed, but unfortunately this is not unexpected. ... His current status, I think, is not just a function of the surgery, but also an inability really to carry out an effective rehab program over the last several weeks."
Francisco's elbow still an issue
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/12/2013) Mets closer Frank Francisco delivered some disappointing news Tuesday. He told reporters he is shut down as he continues to deal with elbow inflammation. Francisco said he doesn't know when he will start throwing and playfully listed himself at zero percent healthy.
Collins: Francisco 'is the closer'
by Nando Di Fino | Senior Fantasy Writer (2/7/2013) Mets manager Terry Collins told the New York Post on Wednesday that embattled reliever Frank Francisco, "is the closer," for the Mets heading into 2013. "We saw last year when he is right, he is good," Collins added. "I think he looks good. He is in the right frame of mind. He is going to start the season as the closer unless something dictates that he’s not -- and that something would only be if his elbow is not ready." Francisco had surgery to remove bone spurs in his elbow in December, but the closer says he will be ready for the start of the season. The Post contends, however, that, "he has a ways to go before he is ready to pitch off the mound."
Francisco not inspiring confidence
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (1/31/2013) Mets general manager Sandy Alderson told ESPN.com Thursday that is does not have much confidence in incumbent closer Frank Francisco, who has been dealing with elbow issues in the offseason. "Coming out of last season, looking with what Frankie has been dealing with in the offseason as far as his elbow is concerned, I don't know that we could have a lot of confidence in where we are,” he said when asked about the team’s bullpen situation. "But to answer your question -- not terribly comfortable," Alderson said. "But I hope that Frankie over the next few weeks does something to dispel that discomfort." Francisco is expected to be ready for the start of spring training after undergoing surgery in December to remove bone spurs from his right elbow. Alderson mentioned Bobby Parnell as a possible option to compete with Francisco.
Francisco has bone spur removed
(12/18/2012) Mets closer Frank Francisco underwent surgery on his right elbow on Tuesday to have a bone spur removed. The right-hander is expected to be ready for spring training. Francisco posted a 5.53 ERA in 48 appearances for New York last season while converting 23 of 26 save chances.
