Burnett close to returning from rehab assignment

ANAHEIM -- Sean Burnett pitched in a rehab assignment for Class A Inland Empire on Saturday night and may rejoin the Angels bullpen as soon as Tuesday.

"Felt good," Burnett said of his one-inning appearance. "As long as I go out there today and feel good, hopefully I'll be ready to go Tuesday."

Burnett, who has been on the disabled list since April 28 with left forearm irritation, recorded two strikeouts and allowed one hit -- a home run to right field that would have been a flyout in most Major League ballparks.

Although Burnett hopes to be activated for Tuesday's two-game series opener against the Mariners, the left-hander acknowledged the decision will be up to management and the front office.

However, Angels manager Mike Scioscia also believes Tuesday is a possibility, assuming Burnett feels fine on Sunday and gets some work in to touch up his mechanics.

"I don't think there's any pain or anything, but you have to work back into your delivery and make pitches," Scioscia said. "His delivery is a little bit complicated. He's across his body so he's got some work to do there, but if he comes out of it well, feels good, can get a little work in, a little touch and feel, then there's definitely a possibility he can be activated Tuesday."