Hanson, Burnett, Vargas working way back from DL

CHICAGO -- The biggest additions the Angels make before the non-waiver Trade Deadline could be Sean Burnett, Tommy Hanson and Jason Vargas -- three pitchers they hope will be back from the disabled list by late July or early August.

Hanson, out since suffering a right forearm strain prior to a start on June 26, is the furthest along. He's been playing catch almost every day for more than a week and is slated to throw his first bullpen session on Wednesday. Ideally, he'd be back by July 23 -- the next time a fifth starter is needed -- but the Angels are taking it day by day and aren't sure if he'll need a rehab assignment before returning.

"We're going off how I feel, but I feel good," Hanson said. "Hopefully it stays the same and I'll get back out there as soon as possible."

Vargas visited Tuesday with the doctor who operated on his blood clot and was cleared to start playing catch on Wednesday -- exactly two weeks post-surgery, as originally scheduled. If cleared, Vargas will start that process in Southern California while the Angels finish their last road trip before the All-Star break.

Burnett, the lefty reliever who has been on the DL with a left elbow impingement since May 28, played catch for the first time Tuesday and hopes to get off a mound in a couple of weeks. He and Vargas are basically on the same throwing schedule.