Angels’ Wells, Iannetta could begin rehab assignments this weekend

DETROIT — Vernon Wells, out since May 21 because of a torn ligament in his right thumb, is expected to begin a minor league rehabilitation assignment of seven to 10 games this weekend.

Catcher Chris Iannetta, sidelined since May 9 because of a broken right wrist and a right forearm strain, hopes to join him. Iannetta threw to second base Monday for the first time since he injured his forearm in early June, and after repeating the workout Wednesday, he could begin a rehab assignment this weekend.

“I feel like I’m getting close,” said Iannetta, who has been hitting and catching bullpen workouts for several weeks. “It felt good today. I aired out. I was really aggressive because I’m trying to push it as fast as I can. I want to come back.”

Wells, who was hitting .244 with six homers and 12 runs batted in before injuring his thumb while sliding into second base at San Diego on May 20, has been taking live batting practice for about a week and throwing for several weeks.

“It’s going to take him more than a couple of games” to get ready, Manager Mike Scioscia said, “but it shouldn’t take a couple of weeks.”

The Angels are expected to announce after Monday night’s game against the Detroit Tigers that right-hander Garrett Richards will be recalled from triple-A Salt Lake to start Tuesday night in Comerica Park.

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