Joel Pineiro Plays Catch

Right-hander Joel Pineiro, who suffered a rib-cage strain while warming up for a July 28 start against Boston, began playing catch Tuesday, the first significant step toward his return.

Pineiro appears ahead of schedule in his recovery — he was expected to be out six to eight weeks — but he will need to progress to long toss to throwing off a bullpen mound to either a simulated game or minor league game before pitching for the Angels.

"He really looked good; he had a nice arm stroke," Scioscia said. "But there's still a process moving forward."

LA Times