ARLINGTON -- The Rangers announced on Twitter Thursday that third-base coach Tony Beasley has been declared cancer-free after being diagnosed 11 months ago.
Beasley was limited in his duties this past season while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments for rectal cancer. Spike Owen served as the team's interim third-base coach during the season while Beasley stayed around as much as possible.
The Rangers announced in October that Beasley would return in 2017 as third-base coach. Owen has been retained as a Minor League manager.
Beasley was given the official word after a Dec. 1 scan in Houston.
"I was feeling great, and I walked in faith this whole time," Beasley told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "But it's always good when you get the confirmation."
Beasley had one final surgery to remove a temporary ileostomy bag that had been in place since August, and he was released from the hospital on Wednesday. He will need six weeks of rest, but then he expects to be ready to go in his job.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to get back and not have limitations and just be normal and just do the things I'm passionate about doing," Beasley said.
He is expected to be with the Rangers during their mini-camp, team banquet and FanFest.
"The support I received from fans, Rangers Nation, has been incredible," Beasley said. "This is my second year as a Texas Ranger, and people don't necessarily know me personally, but the way the fans have reached out and prayed for me with kind words and thoughts -- it has been overwhelming. I couldn't be more appreciative. I really don't have the correct words to express how I feel about the support I've received over the summer."