Walden, Downs likely returning by end of week

ANAHEIM -- Angels relievers Scott Downs (strained left shoulder) and Jordan Walden (neck and right biceps injuries) continue to progress in their rehab assignments, making it seem likely that both will return by the end of the week.

Making his second rehab appearance for Triple-A Salt Lake on Monday night, Walden pitched a 1-2-3 inning (with one strikeout) and is slated to make what could be his final tune-up on Thursday. Manager Mike Scioscia doesn't believe Walden needs to appear in back-to-back games before being activated, even though he's been out since July 8.

Downs threw a bullpen session and then a simulated game and will repeat the process again on Thursday. Asked if that could be his final step, Scioscia said: "It can be, but like I said, we're going to let this thing tell us where he is."