Texas.Rangers.MLB.com

By Jesse Sanchez / MLB.com

Chan Ho Park is optimistic about returning to the mound this season. (L.M. Otero/AP)

He just doesn't know if he will.

"That's my goal," Park said. "That's what I am hoping for."

Park has some muscular weakness in his back and started a rehab program Thursday that will keep him off the mound for a month. In the meantime, he is exercising and playing catch.

"I am better and I will feel much better in a month from now," said Park, who was placed on the disabled list June 8 with stiffness and soreness in his right rib cage area. "I feel like I can pitch now, but I will follow the program and get healthier."

Park is 1-3 with a 7.58 ERA in seven starts this season. He's been on the disabled list twice this season with back problems. He said he's not sure how he hurt his back, but is not going to sit around and not be inactive.

"I have to play catch," he said. "I cannot lose the feeling of throwing."

Benoit pushed back: Because of the off-day Monday and Joaquin Benoit's performance in his last outing, Tony Mounce is scheduled to pitch Tuesday. Benoit will pitch Wednesday.

Rangers manager Buck Showalter noticed Benoit's velocity was down and wants to be careful with the pitcher's sore right elbow.

For his part, Benoit is 1-2 with a 6.47 ERA in his last three starts since being activated off the disabled list on June 22 because of a sore elbow. He has a 7.12 ERA in his last five starts beginning May 25.

Fultz improving: Reliever Aaron Fultz, who has been on the disabled list retroactive to June 23 with a bruised left shoulder, threw 25 pitches in a side session Friday and is expected to throw again Sunday.

Fultz will likely skip a rehab assignment and be activated Tuesday against the Twins.

Around the horn: Jeff Zimmerman experienced soreness in his forearm Friday and could throw a simulated game or a side session Sunday. The Rangers will consider sending him out on a rehab assignment at that time. ... Bullpen coach Mark Connor missed Thursday's game because of a kidney stone problem but was back in the bullpen for Friday's game. Jay Powell and Zimmerman handled the duties in Connor's absence. ... Outfielder Ryan Christenson went on the disabled list at Triple-A Oklahoma with a strained oblique muscle. Infielder/outfielder Paul Ottavinia was promoted from Double-A Frisco to Oklahoma. ... Saturday is Dodge Powder Blue T-shirt Night with the first 20,000 fans receiving a powder blue t-shirt, the color of the Rangers uniforms in the late 1970s. Country music singer Larry Gatlin will perform the National Anthem and Josh Howard, the 2003 first-round draft pick of the Dallas Mavericks, will throw out the first pitch.

Minor league report for July 3: Colby Lewis allowed three hits and four walks in six scoreless innings in Triple-A Oklahoma's 5-4 victory against Memphis. Ramon Nivar went 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs. He is 6-for-8 in his first two games at Triple-A. Jason Hart went 4-for-4. ... Edwin Moreno allowed five hits and two runs in 7 1/3 innings in Double-A Frisco's 8-4 victory against Tulsa. Andrew Beinbrink hit a double and a home run. He has hit safely in 12 of his last 13 games. ... Justin Echols allowed two hits and two runs in four innings in Class A Stockton's 8-4 victory against Visalia. Kiki Bengochea earned the win in relief of Echols.

Upcoming:
Saturday vs. Seattle (7:05 p.m. CT) -- Jamie Moyer (11-5, 3.01) vs. John Thomson (5-9, 5.90)
Sunday vs. Seattle (7:05 p.m. CT) -- Gil Meche (10-3, 3.14) vs. Ismael Valdes (6-5, 6.39)

Jesse Sanchez is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.