Rangers manager Jeff Banister said that Diekman (abdomen) is expected to be activated from the 60-day disabled list Friday, Connor Mount of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Diekman passed the final hurdle in his recovery from three surgeries within the past year to repair and rebuild his colon by making appearances in back-to-back games Monday and Tuesday for Double-A Frisco, marking the fifth and six appearances in total of his rehab assignment. The lefty has looked utterly dominant in those outings, giving up just one run over 6.1 innings while striking out eight batters and walking none. Given the dearth of quality relief options for the Rangers, Diekman will have a decent chance at settling into a key setup role right away upon returning from the DL. He accrued a 3.40 ERA and 59:26 K:BB across 53 innings with the Rangers in 2016.

Diekman (abdomen) has tossed four perfect innings thus far during his rehab assignment with Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Round Rock. He's struck out six batters during those contests.

EDGE Analysis

It's been a long road to recovery from Diekman following three surgeries to address ulcerative colitis, but his dominance during the rehab assignment suggests he could be on the cusp of rejoining the big club. Once he's activated from the 60-day disabled list, Diekman could settle into an integral setup role for the Rangers, as the team is lacking in reliable or healthy options out of the bullpen beyond closer Alex Claudio.

Diekman (abdomen) will make his second rehab appearance Wednesday with Double-A Fresno, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

EDGE Analysis

Diekman made his first appearance of the season Thursday with Double-A Frisco. He struck out two in a clean scoreless frame. The 30-year-old will likely make one or two more rehab appearances following his Wednesday action, but could conceivably return from the disabled list in the next couple of weeks.

Diekman (abdomen) tossed a perfect inning and recorded two strikeouts in his first rehab outing for Double-A Frisco on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Making his first appearance on a mound in 10 months following three surgeries to repair and rebuild his colon, Diekman was about as sharp as the Rangers could have hoped, as he pumped in eight of his 13 pitches for strikes to retire the side without having to deploy many of his secondary offerings. Following the outing, Diekman told Sam Butler of MLB.com that he would still like to pitch in a few more rehab games in the minors before coming off the 60-day disabled list, but an activation ahead of next weekend seems to be realistic.

Diekman will begin a rehab assignment Thursday with Double-A Frisco.

EDGE Analysis

When he takes the mound Thursday, it will mark Diekman's first appearance in a professional game since Oct. 9, 2016. The 30-year-old has faced a long road to recovery while undergoing three surgeries to repair and rebuild his colon, but he finally seems to be progressing toward a return after facing hitters in live batting-practice sessions and simulated games on multiple occasions in August. He's expected to throw 15 pitches in his first appearance for Frisco and may only need one or two minor-league outings beyond that before the Rangers activate him from the 60-day disabled list.

Diekman threw 27 pitches during a live batting practice session Monday, the Associated Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rangers manager Jeff Banister called it a "very encouraging day," for the left-hander, who hasn't pitched competitively this season following three surgeries to repair his colon. With Diekman having completed multiple live batting practice sessions and simulated games since resuming his throwing program in July, it may not be long before he's cleared to begin a rehab assignment as he prepares for an eventual return to the Texas bullpen.

Diekman (abdomen) will throw another live batting practice session this week, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

EDGE Analysis

After tossing a 31-pitch simulated game Saturday, there was some thought that Diekman might be cleared to head out on a rehab assignment, but he'll face hitters in batting practice one more time before likely reporting to a minor-league affiliate. Diekman, who has been sidelined all season while recovering from three surgeries to address ulcerative colitis, could claim a key setup role with the Rangers once he's activated from the 60-day disabled list, likely in late August.

Diekman (abdomen) threw 31 pitches during a simulated game Saturday, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

EDGE Analysis

Diekman admitted to feeling fatigued afterward, but nevertheless he cleared the hurdle -- perhaps his final hurdle before heading out for a rehab assignment. He could join Double-A Frisco as soon as Tuesday if his arm responds well. The lefty underwent three operations earlier this year to address ulcerative colitis.

Diekman (abdomen) threw a live bullpen session Wednesday, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

EDGE Analysis

Diekman said he felt good afterwards, so he'll toss another live session this Saturday before likely heading out on a minor-league rehab assignment. The 30-year-old remains without a firm timetable for his return from the 60-day DL, but mid-to-late August seems reasonable given his recent progress.

Diekman (abdomen) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Saturday, Sam Butler of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

After completing a 35-pitch session Wednesday without issue, Diekman will take the mound again Saturday before likely facing live hitters in batting practice before the Rangers' homestand concludes next week. Diekman, who has been sidelined all season while recovering from three surgeries to correct ulcerative colitis, said that he'll need at least one rehab appearance before returning from the 60-day disabled list, likely around mid-August.