Glaus, Washburn Improve

Two cornerstones of the Angels’ only World Series title took significant steps Tuesday toward rejoining the team for the stretch run when Troy Glaus played in his first rehabilitation game and Jarrod Washburn completed a simulated game that put him on track to pitch for the Angels in less than two weeks.

Glaus stopped by Angel Stadium in the afternoon to pose for a team picture before driving to San Bernardino, where he played designated hitter for Class-A Rancho Cucamonga in a California League game against Inland Empire. The slugger, who had been sidelined since shoulder surgery on May 21, had a three-run home run in three at-bats.

“None of us really seriously thought that Troy Glaus would be going out on a rehab assignment this early,” General Manager Bill Stoneman said. “To see that happening, that’s a pleasant surprise for all of us.”

Glaus said his shoulder felt strong and stable and was “moving smoother than it has in years,” but Manager Mike Scioscia insisted that the Angels would not jeopardize Glaus’ future by rushing him back before Sept. 1.

“You’re not going to risk a 10-year career for what a player might bring in one month,” Scioscia said. “We’re approaching it like this is the first game of spring training for him; it’s going to take some time.”

Glaus, who in 29 games batted .296 with 11 home runs and 28 runs batted in, said he did not want to return before he was capable of producing on an everyday basis. Glaus probably will also play a few games for triple-A Salt Lake before rejoining the Angels.

Glaus defended his decision to have surgery at a time when he was still productive as a designated hitter, saying he might have blown out his shoulder had he continued to play.

“If people still want to criticize that, it’s fine,” Glaus said. “I know in my heart of hearts it was the right thing to do, and now I can go play. If I had to do it over again, I would [do the same thing].”

Washburn, sidelined since late July because of a strained ligament in his rib cage, could pitch for the Angels as soon as Sept. 4 against the Cleveland Indians. The left-hander completed an impressive workout Tuesday in which he was able to maintain the velocity on his fastball throughout a 38-pitch session in which he faced Angel hitters.

“I didn’t expect to go out and have everything perfect,” Washburn said, “but my stuff was working probably better than most people thought it would be after a month off. The big thing is, there was no pain, so we get to move forward from here.”

Washburn, 10-5 with a 4.83 earned-run average, is scheduled to throw in the bullpen Friday before throwing 65 to 75 pitches Sunday for Rancho Cucamonga. If Washburn does not suffer any setbacks, the Angels would start him the following Saturday against the Indians and remove Ramon Ortiz or Aaron Sele from the rotation.

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Part-time designated hitter Tim Salmon said he was fine with the possibility of Glaus taking away even more of his at-bats in September as long as Glaus was “able to swing it well.” Salmon said Glaus’ return would not prompt him to undergo surgery on his bothersome left shoulder before the end of the season.