Here’s your Thursday afternoon PRO Rumors injury report:

• Jim Armstrong and Troy E. Renck of The Denver Post says that the Rockies are confident enough in Jeff Francis‘ rehab and Greg Smith’s potential that the team has no interest in signing veteran left-handed pitcher Jarrod Washburn.
• Drew Davison of The Dallas Morning News says that there is no timetable for Rangers’ second baseman Ian Kinsler’s return. Kinsler sustained a high right ankle sprain March 12 and was originally thought to be out only a few days.
• David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News says that injured pitcher Joe Blanton is not experiencing any pain running or throwing during his rehab. He was originally scheduled to be out 3 to 6 weeks which means he could return around April 21 at the earliest or as late as mid-May.
• Lance Berkman is starting to feel better and look like he could be back in the lineup as early as next week. (Bernardo Fallas, Houston Chronicle)
• Jim Armstrong of The Denver Post says that pitcher Joe Beimel could join the Rockies next week at the earliest. The plan is for him to pitch at least two more times for Triple-A Colorado Springs before activating him.