Burnett off DL; Angels send down Brasier

ANAHEIM -- Injuries have decimated the Angels' pitching staff throughout the first 44 games of the season. The club has already used 20 pitchers -- the earliest the team has done so -- but the carousel in the bullpen appears to be nearing an end as the Halos are getting healthier.

Prior to Tuesday's game against the Mariners, left-handed reliever Sean Burnett was activated from the 15-day disabled list, with the Angels optioning Ryan Brasier to Triple-A Salt Lake to make room on the 25-man roster.

"It feels good," Burnett said. "This is what I enjoy doing. It's ben three weeks since I've been able to get out there and compete. I'm looking forward to getting out there and hopefully I'll be able to help my team."

Burnett, who had been on the DL since April 28 with left forearm irritation, pitched one inning in a rehab assignment for Class A Inland Empire on Saturday. In 8 2/3 innings this season, Burnett has allowed just one earned run.

Burnett's return will be welcomed to a bullpen that currently has an ERA of 4.47.

While Burnett is the first to return, the Angels' bullpen could receive some more help before the end of the month as Kevin Jepsen and Ryan Madson are also close to joining the Angels. However, an exact date for either's return is still to be determined.

"It's really clear that we're going to get better as the season moves on -- and deeper -- and get a look that's going to help us do what we need to do on the field on a more consistent basis," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said.

Jepsen flew to Salt Lake on Tuesday and is scheduled to make rehab appearances on Wednesday and Friday.

"I feel great, no pain, no restrictions," Jepsen said. "Everything is good. The last outing on Sunday went good, so [I want to] keep it going."

Jepsen already threw in one rehab game -- he pitched one inning for Inland Empire on Sunday -- and said he felt 100 percent and that his fastball was between 94 and 96 mph.

Madson is scheduled to work out at Angel Stadium on Wednesday and then go to Salt Lake on a rehab assignment, as well.