Injured pitchers getting closer

SEATTLE -- The Angels have been as banged up as any team on the pitching front, but manager Mike Scioscia reported some progress on Friday as the Angels prepared to play the Mariners.

Starter Tommy Hanson, who has been on the disabled list with a right forearm strain since June 27, is scheduled to throw a simulated game on Saturday. Scioscia said he would throw somewhere around 30 or 35 pitches. "And then we'll evaluate what he needs to do over the [All-Star] break," Scioscia said.

Starter Jason Vargas, who is recovering from a blood clot in his left armpit area, is starting to play catch in Arizona this week but is "still going to be a ways away," according to Scioscia.

Reliever Sean Burnett (left elbow impingement) has been throwing up to about 90 feet, Scioscia said, but is not ready to throw off a mound.

"He's not experiencing any symptoms, which is good," Scioscia said. "Until he gets stretched out and gets on the mound, we're not really going to have as much of a read as we're going to need, but he's making progress."

Closer Ryan Madson, who is on the 60-day DL recovering from Tommy John surgery, has been throwing bullpen sessions in Arizona. Scioscia said he is hopeful that Madson could get in a rehab game after the break.