Diekman (abdomen) is expected to resume a throwing program next week and is targeting a return to the Rangers shortly after the All-Star break, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.
Per doctors' recommendations, Diekman has been resting easy since undergoing his third and final surgery June 9 to address ulcerative colitis. After enduring no complications during the surgery, it appears Diekman is nearly ready to work out on a regular basis again. Once he begins the throwing program, Diekman believes he'll need about three weeks to get back to full strength, tentatively putting him on track for activation from the 60-day disabled list in late July. With a 3.40 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 26 holds in 53 innings last season, Diekman was a key part of the bridge to former closer Sam Dyson and would likely assume a similar setup role upon coming off the DL.