Napoli is improving

BOSTON -- Mike Napoli (shoulder irritation) is in the final stages of his long-toss program and is expected to begin a minor league rehabilitation assignment at Class-A Rancho Cucamonga this weekend.

The catcher, on the disabled list since July 6, threw firmly at 180 feet Monday. He will repeat the workout today before simulating game conditions by throwing to the bases later this week. He also has been hitting and catching bullpen workouts.

“It feels good, there’s no pain,” said Napoli, who has 12 home runs and 29 runs batted in this season. “I think I’m ready.”

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Short-handed

The Angels don’t plan to put Torii Hunter on the bereavement list and replace him with another player when Hunter goes to Pine Bluff, Ark., this weekend for the funeral of his grandmother, Edna Cobbs.

The minimum-stay requirement on the bereavement list is three days, but Hunter doesn’t want to miss more than two games.

Hunter is expected to return to Anaheim in time for Monday night’s game against Baltimore.

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mike.digiovanna@latimes.com