Napoli (back) will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Frisco on Thursday, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

EDGE Analysis

With his back pain beginning to subside, Napoli will be playing his first game since June 3, serving as the designated hitter for Frisco. The Rangers will need to see Napoli get some reps in at first base in a game or two before feeling comfortable activating him from the 10-day disabled list, but the fact that he's starting up the rehab assignment offers some hope that he'll be able to return by next week.