Angels staying cautious with Weaver's return

LOS ANGELES — Jered Weaver continues taking steps toward a full recovery from the disabled list, but exactly when he'll return to the Angels pitching rotation is still to be determined.
 
Weaver threw about 30 pitches from the slope in front of the mound on Monday and said he expects to throw a full bullpen session Tuesday and possibly a simulated game by the end of the week.
 
Weaver, who suffered a strained lower back May 28 against the New York Yankees, is eligible to be activated Wednesday. Assuming his upcoming workouts go well, he could return to the rotation next week when the Angels face the San Francisco Giants at Angel Stadium.
 
"It's a day-to-day thing," Weaver said. "We don't have it mapped out, but I'll probably throw a (simulated) game later this week and go from there. Obviously, step one is getting back to full distance off a mound tomorrow."
 
Weaver, who is 6-1 with a 2.61 ERA, said he threw a full array of pitches Monday at Dodger Stadium, where the Angels met the Dodgers in the first of three interleague games. But manager Mike Scioscia said the team will have a better gauge on the right-hander's progress after he throws at full speed from the pitching rubber.
 
"We'll be able to get a read on where he is," Scioscia said. "You have to be cautious about not doing too much too soon, but you also have to balance it with keeping him as close to where he was without too much time passing by."