ARLINGTON - Spring training has begun anew for Tim Lincecum.

For the first time since mid-March when he was attacked by a raging blister, Lincecum on Tuesday faced hitters. He threw a 22-pitch session of live batting practice to younger Rangers hitters. He now has five full weeks to get ready before he can be activated from the 60-day disabled list on May 28.

"I think I'm going to be ready," Lincecum said, then corrected himself. "No, I know I'm going to be ready. This is my spring training, so I'm going to make the most of it,"

Lincecum said he know has a bonafide callus on his right middle finger where the blister sprung up. It allows him to throw all of his pitches without irritation. Even after Lincecum took a week off, the new skin was sensitive when he tried to throw pitches, forcing another short layoff. With the callus, the blister should, once and for all be done.

Lincecum is expected to throw another live batting practice session early in the Rangers' road trip that begins Friday at Toronto. Lincecum could go on a rehab assignment as early as April 28, but since he is preparing as a reliever, the need to build up innings is not as significant. He might only need two to three weeks of the rehab assignment. With extra time on their hands, the Rangers and Lincecum can afford to move a little more deliberately.

The catch: There are no current plans for the Rangers to get Isiah Kiner-Falefa a start at catcher while he is in the majors. Kiner-Falefa has upped his profile in the organization with an impressive run in his first two weeks in the majors.

His growth as a catcher over the last two years also intrigues them, but he's made just 67 minor league starts at catcher and may need more work there before he tackles the position in a major league game. Manager Jeff Banister said he has, however, considered Kiner-Falefa's versatility when making in-game player moves.

"For now, let him continue to play and have success," Banister said. "And let him enjoy being a big leaguer. Whatever challenges come his way, let's let him find a way to maneuver through those. Let's enjoy the freshness of who Kiner-Falefa is right now."

Throw the semi-heater: Alex Claudio features an 85 mph fastball. The Rangers would like to see him use more of it.

Claudio, last season's Pitcher of the Year, has been hit hard so far this season. He has thrown a significantly higher percentage of offspeed pitches early in the year. Hitters seem to be sitting on them. They are 10 for 21 (.476) against the changeup and the slider, according to MLB.com's Statcast system. He has thrown fastballs 53 percent of the time compared to 62.6 percent in last year's first month of the season.

"Claudio has identified himself as a player in this league," Banister said. "Now hitters are paying attention. We talk about adjustments. About pitchers coming into the league and hitters having to make and adjustment and then the back-and-forth of that. Now, what can he do to punch back? Getting the sinker back in play for him would be a big benefit for him. I think we can get a little better balance in there."

Briefly: As expected, RHP Doug Fister will return to the starting rotation on Wednesday against Oakland. Fister has been on the DL since April 10 with a strained hip. The Rangers currently have only a three-man bench, so they will have to make a move with a pitcher to activate him. ... RHP Tony Barnette threw 18 pitches during a live batting practice session Tuesday but will not be activated from the disabled list Wednesday, the first day he is eligible to return from some minor shoulder inflammation. Friday's game at Toronto would be more likely.

Twitter: @EvanPGrant