Angels pitching update: Scot Shields, Kevin Jepsen, Scott Kazmir to pitch simulated games

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Relievers Scot Shields and Kevin Jepsen, who were put on a slower track this spring because of health issues, will each throw 20-pitch simulated games on Tuesday, and both could be pitching in exhibition games by early next week.

Shields is returning from left-knee surgery that sidelined him for most of 2009, and Jepsen, who emerged as the team’s setup man in the second half of 2009, had shoulder tendinitis last September.

Fernando Rodney, the former Detroit closer whom the Angels signed to be their setup man, threw his third bullpen workout Monday after being slowed by sore shins. The hard-throwing right-hander will probably need several simulated-game workouts before pitching in a Cactus League game.

Starter Scott Kazmir, slowed by a sore hamstring, will throw a 30-pitch simulated game on Wednesday, and barring a setback, he will be folded into the rotation on Sunday.

-- Mike DiGiovanna