Moran expected to start season on DL

PHOENIX -- Lefty reliever Brian Moran started playing catch Saturday, but Angels manager Mike Scioscia said it's "going to be a while" before he throws off a mound again. The 25-year-old has four appearances this spring but hasn't pitched since March 12 because of inflammation in his left elbow and is expected to start the season on the disabled list.

Moran was selected in the Rule 5 Draft, which means the Angels have to offer him back to the Mariners if he's ever not on the active roster. But they can hold on to him while he's on the DL.

With Moran and Sean Burnett (recovery from August forearm surgery) both starting the year on the shelf, the Angels have at least two additional openings in their bullpen and Nick Maronde, the only healthy lefty reliever remaining in Spring Training, could get a chance to break camp with the team.

Right-handed reliever Dane De La Rosa, who has been nursing a right forearm strain for more than two weeks, threw his first bullpen session Friday since exiting the March 6 game early. De La Rosa has a chance to be ready by Opening Day, but it'll be close. Scioscia wants to see him pitch in multiple games before deeming him healthy for the regular season.