Burnett says back slowly getting better

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Sean Burnett's back injury -- a fluke accident that occurred while he was grocery shopping -- does not have either Burnett or the Angels worried.

"He's better," manager Mike Scioscia said. "He's day to day. We expect to see him hopefully make improvements over the next week and get evaluated. We don't have a timetable, but the prognosis is good for him to get this inflammation behind him until he starts throwing."

Burnett, who signed with the Angels in December after having spent the past four seasons as a reliever with the Nationals, said his back felt better Wednesday than it did Tuesday.

"It's slowly getting better," Burnett said. "As soon as it loosens up, I'll be good to go."

Scioscia said Burnett will be evaluated over the next week. However, that does not mean he will be out for the entire week, as Burnett's doctors told him to listen to his body and play it by ear.

While there is still no timetable on Burnett's return, it is only Feb. 20, and Scioscia believes there is no reason to worry about the 30-year-old left-handed reliever missing Opening Day.

"I think if you look at the big picture, this is something we don't see as an issue for him to get ready to start the season," Scioscia said. "If he was a starter, there would be more concern, but being in the bullpen, there should be no reason, at this point, [for us to] be concerned."