Angels pitcher Jered Weaver takes step in return from back strain

Jered Weaver took another step in his return from a lower-back strain Monday, throwing 30 pitches off the front of a mound before Monday night’s game in Dodger Stadium. Barring a setback, the right-hander will progress to a regular bullpen workout Tuesday and a simulated game by the end of the week.

Weaver is eligible to come off the disabled list Friday. Pitching coach Mike Butcher said Weaver won’t pitch this weekend against Arizona, but he could return to the rotation next week against the San Francisco Giants

“It went well — everything felt great,” said Weaver, who was injured in the first inning of a May 28 start against the New York Yankees. “Not feeling anything throwing off the slope is definitely a step in the right direction.”

Catcher Bobby Wilson, who went on the seven-day concussion DL last Tuesday, was cleared by doctors for full activity Monday. He expects to play a minor league rehabilitation game Wednesday and be activated Friday.

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