Vargas, Burnett limited to long toss in rehab

ANAHEIM -- Angels left-handers Jason Vargas and Sean Burnett have progressed to long tossing from 140 feet, but neither has been able to throw off a mound yet.

Vargas' last start came June 17. Shortly after that, a blood clot was found near his left arm-pit area, prompting him to have surgery on June 26 and shut it down for a couple of weeks.

Vargas, with a 3.65 ERA in 14 starts during his last season before free agency, could've been an attractive chip leading up to the non-waiver Trade Deadline if the Angels were to fall completely out of contention and decided to acquire prospects. But it remains to be seen whether he can return by July 31.

"He's got a little more work to do long-tossing before he can get on the mound," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "We'll evaluate him through this next week."

Burnett, limited to 13 games this season and out of action since May 26, hopes to start throwing off the mound by early next week.

Burnett's left elbow has landed him on the disabled list twice this year. On June 10, he visited with Dr. James Andrews and was told to shut it down for four weeks.

"I won't know until I get off the mound, but it feels like I'm making progress and it feels strong," Burnett said. "Hopefully there will be no worries when I do step on the mound."