Relievers Burnett, De La Rosa make rehab progress

TORONTO -- Left-hander Sean Burnett, who is recovering from left elbow surgery, began a rehab assignment with Double-A Arkansas on Saturday. He lasted two-thirds of an inning and allowed three runs on four hits.

The better news is that he came out of the outing feeling strong.

"Velocity looked good. The line score wasn't, but he felt good," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said.

Burnett hasn't thrown a pitch in the Majors since May 26 of last season and is still potentially upwards of one month away from rejoining the team. The Halos currently have just one lefty in their bullpen in Hector Santiago, so getting Burnett back is something the club is looking forward to.

"He's important to us," Scioscia said.

Another ailing reliever Los Angeles is hoping to bring back soon is right-hander Dane De La Rosa, who made his fourth rehab appearance with Triple-A Salt Lake on Saturday. De La Rosa threw 1 1/3 innings, allowed two runs, walked two and struck out a pair.

Though the Angels were hopeful earlier in the week that De La Rosa had a chance to rejoin the team during the club's trip to Toronto, that won't be the case. But the 31-year-old, who has been limited to just one appearance this season due to right Sternoclavicular (S/C) joint irritation, could be ready sometime next week.

"He continues to make progress." Scioscia said. "Dane will be here sooner rather than later, but exactly what day that will be, we are still working out some things. He's definitely close."