McGee, Franklin on track toward return to Rays
Lefty scheduled to throw three times; infielder to start rehab assignment
ST. PETERSBURG -- Left-hander Jake McGee and infielder Nick Franklin are both on positive tracks toward returning to the team.
McGee, who led the team in saves with 19 last season, has been rehabbing from December surgery to clean up "loose bodies" in his left elbow. Recently, he experienced a slight hiccup when his back tightened up, but Sunday he said he felt back on track.
McGee is scheduled to throw rehab stints Tuesday, Friday and May 5. He allowed that under the best-case scenario the last of those three stints could come at Boston if all goes well.
Video: McGee discusses health after 30-pitch bullpen session
"My velo is good," McGee said. "Everything depends on location and recovery."
In McGee's absence, Rays manager Kevin Cash has used a bullpen-by-committee approach led by Brad Boxberger, who leads the team in saves with five.
Meanwhile, Franklin was placed on the DL on April 5 after experiencing a left-oblique strain during Spring Training. The infielder said Sunday that he was pain free and is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment this week at Class A Charlotte.
Franklin did not know which day he will begin playing. He did say he would first report to Port Charlotte and work out with the team before playing three innings and having two at-bats in a game.