Angels reliever Sean Burnett sees orthopedic specialist

BALTIMORE — When reliever Sean Burnett went on the disabled list May 28 because of an elbow impingement, he thought he would be back with the Angels and pitching by Monday, the day he was eligible to be activated.

Instead, Burnett, who has made little progress in his recovery, traveled to Birmingham, Ala., on Monday to be examined by Dr. James Andrews, the noted orthopedic surgeon who removed bone spurs from Burnett’s throwing elbow last October.

“We just want to make sure he’s moving in the right direction,” Manager Mike Scioscia said before the Angels’ game against the Baltimore Orioles in Camden Yards. “We’ll see where it goes.”

Scioscia said Burnett’s visit to Dr. Andrews was not necessarily an indication the veteran left-hander might need surgery, but it’s clear the Angels are concerned. Burnett has played catch since his latest injury but has not thrown off a mound.

Burnett, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2004, has been on the DL twice this season and has appeared in only 13 games, compiling an 0.93 earned-run average in 9 2/3 innings.

Signed to a two-year, $8-million contract, Burnett, along with Ryan Madson, were the two key bullpen acquisitions last winter for General Manager Jerry Dipoto.

But Burnett has struggled with elbow problems all season, and Madson, who has had several setbacks in his recovery from Tommy John surgery, has not pitched for the Angels. The right-hander is throwing on flat ground but has not progressed to a mound.

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