Rangers hopeful Pierzynski can return when eligible

OAKLAND -- The Rangers are encouraged about the possibility of catcher A.J. Pierzynski being able to come off the disabled list on May 21. That's the first day he's eligible after being sidelined since May 5 with a strained oblique muscle in his right rib cage.

Pierzynski said he is ready and has started to take swings off a batting tee without any problems. Hitting was the biggest issue with the injury and Pierzynski will likely start taking full batting practice either Wednesday or when the Rangers return to Arlington. The Rangers haven't made a final decision yet, but Pierzynski will likely get 1-2 games in the Minor Leagues on medical-rehabilitation assignment before he is activated.

"We'll just see how his progress is," manager Ron Washington said.

Pierzynski could catch Colby Lewis on Monday for Double-A Frisco. The Roughriders have an 11 a.m. game on Monday against San Antonio, and that might be Lewis' next start on his assignment. Lewis was shut down for a few days because of inflammation in his right triceps muscle. He is scheduled to throw a bullpen session over the weekend in Arlington.