Haren's back healing faster than expected

The Angels are optimistic that righty Dan Haren's first trip to the DL won't be an extended stay. After finally admitting that lower back pain had significantly contributed to his poor season, Haren went on the disabled list following his July 3 start in Cleveland. He seems to have bounced back quickly with the down time and physical therapy. Haren threw a full bullpen session in Anaheim on Thursday with no problems. He is expected to repeat that on Saturday with Class-A Inland Empire, putting him in line to make a rehab start on Tuesday. "The early treatments, the way he's responded to it, have been extremely positive," Angels GM Jerry Dipoto said. "I don't even want to use the word 'hopeful.' We're anticipating a quicker return than maybe we were planning for. We're very much thinking along the line of getting through this road trip and re- assessing where we stand." If Haren is able to make a satisfactory reha...