ARLINGTON, Texas — Texas closer Frank Francisco was put on the disabled list for the second time this season Sunday, a move made after the right-hander had a successful bullpen session and 11 days after he last threw in a game.

Francisco hasn't pitched since June 3 because of shoulder stiffness, but the Rangers had delayed putting him on the disabled list in hopes that he was close to pitching again. Now they want to give him a little extra time to ensure he is ready.

After Francisco threw long toss and 32 pitches in a bullpen session, pitching coach Mike Maddux said the closer was "right on check with our program."

Francisco is scheduled to throw long toss and another bullpen session Tuesday, then could start a rehab assignment as early as Thursday. With the DL move retroactive to June 4, he would be eligible to return Friday.

"We waited so long because once you put a player on the disabled list he has to spend five days down, and we had hopes throughout this process that he was not five days away," assistant general manager Thad Levine said. "Our starting pitching has done well and not put us in a situation where we were exposed. That combination allowed us to be as patient as possible."

Warner Madrigal was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City for his third stint of the season with the Rangers. He had a 10.13 ERA in eight appearances this season.

Francisco hasn't pitched since June 3 against the New York Yankees, when he earned his 12th save in as many chances this season. He has allowed only one earned run in 19 appearances.

Asked how he felt after working out, Francisco looked down at his right shoulder and asked "how you doing?" with a grin.

"It's good," Francisco said. "I feel good that I can go."

Francisco was on the 15-day disabled list last month because of right biceps tendinitis. He was activated May 22 without a rehab assignment.

The Rangers wanted Francisco do more than work on the side before pitching again this time, even though he was 3 for 3 in save chances in five games before getting hurt again.

"We got him right back in the mix. Hindsight is 20-20 of course. The way things have progressed, I think, indicate he could have used a little more downtime. We are being a little bit more cautious."

Right-handed relievers Willie Eyre (right groin strain) and Dustin Nippert (back strain), both eligible to return from the 60-day DL, threw live batting practice Sunday. Levine said both could be sent on rehab assignments this week.