Skaggs nearing return from hamstring strain

ATLANTA -- The Angels are targeting next weekend as a return date for left-hander Tyler Skaggs, who sustained a right hamstring strain on June 5 in Houston. Manager Mike Scioscia said the southpaw will likely not need a rehab assignment.

"He's right now long tossing and hopefully early this week, he'll be able to get off the mound to throw a [bullpen session]," Scioscia said. "And then, we'll have an idea of exactly when he'll be ready."

Skaggs, who is on the 15-day disabled list, ran in the outfield on Friday, cutting and going through agility drills without any pain or issues with his hamstring. Skaggs has previously run on an AlterG, an anti-gravity treadmill, but he was happy to be back on grass and dirt.

"Everything's good," Skaggs said before Friday's series opener against the Braves. "I'm slowly coming back. Worked out today and everything felt good. Slowly but surely coming back out."