Joe Smith threw live batting practice Thursday, his second mound session since a left hamstring strain sent him to the disabled list June 7. Barring a setback, the setup man could begin a minor league rehabilitation stint as early as Sunday.
Smith hopes to be activated for the July 1 start of a 10-game trip to Boston, Tampa Bay and Baltimore. He has not come to grips with the possibility that his return could amount to a month-long showcase for contenders looking to add relief help before the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline.
With the Angels trailing Texas by 15 1/2 games entering Thursday and Smith in the final year of a three-year, $15.