Angels’ Peter Bourjos closes in on rehab stint

Peter Bourjos’ rehabilitation from a left hamstring strain moved into high gear Wednesday when the Angels center fielder ran from home to first, first to third and first to home at near full speed for the first time since suffering his injury April 29.

“He’s made some big strides this week,” Manager Mike Scioscia said of Bourjos, who was batting .313 when he was injured in the Angels’ 19-inning loss to Oakland on April 29. “No doubt, he could be in some minor league rehabilitation games next week.”

Bourjos has been hitting and shagging balls in the outfield. He’ll take Thursday off and run the bases more aggressively Friday and Saturday, which is the last hurdle before starting a minor league stint.

“Every day I’ve gotten a little better,” Bourjos said, “and today was the strongest I’ve felt and hardest I’ve pushed it.”

Mike Trout has thrived offensively since returning to center field April 30, batting .346 in 27 games with eight home runs, five doubles, five triples and 25 runs batted in before Wednesday’s game.

Bourjos is expected to return to center field, with Trout moving back to left field, a spot the 2012 American League rookie of the year is less comfortable in. But if there is any plan for Bourjos to play left and Trout to remain in center, it would be news to Bourjos.

“They haven’t said anything,” Bourjos said. “My concern is getting healthy, getting back out there playing, and whatever happens after that I’ll deal with it when the time comes.”

Mark Lowe is off roster

Reliever Mark Lowe, who had a 9.26 earned-run average in 11 appearances, was designated for assignment to clear a roster spot for Jered Weaver.

Lowe, a veteran right-hander who signed in the final week of spring training, threw four scoreless innings in his first two games in early April. But he was tagged for eight earned runs in 2 1/3 innings of his next five games before going on the disabled list because of a neck injury.

While Lowe was sidelined, he was passed in the bullpen pecking order by Dane De La Rosa, Robert Coello, Michael Kohn and Kevin Jepsen, who returned Sunday from a shoulder strain. It was apparent that Lowe, who hadn’t pitched since May 21, would go.

“He didn’t get too many looks in the last week or so because of the way Dane has stepped up, the way Michael Kohn has gotten some big outs, and because of Jepsen coming back,” Scioscia said. “Some guys have really added some depth there, and to make a move, at times you have to pare down some good arms.”

The Angels will have 10 days to trade or release Lowe. If he clears waivers, Lowe, who was released by the Dodgers in early March, could pitch at triple-A Salt Lake or become a free agent.

Josh Hamilton returns

Josh Hamilton, scratched Tuesday night because of spams in the right side of his back, was back in right field after undergoing extensive treatment Tuesday night and visiting a chiropractor Wednesday.

“It was a combination of going from lifting weights to the cage, then to a hitters’ meeting, to stretch, throwing, and batting practice,” Hamilton said. “I made a swing and felt it grab me, but I’ve had that happen before and knew it would subside in a few hours.”

Six-pack

The Angels will use a six-man rotation one time through the starting staff, Scioscia said. Tommy Hanson, who has been on the restricted list for most of May, will start Friday night against Houston. Jerome Williams, who has filled in as a starter for the last four weeks, will start Saturday night, followed by C.J. Wilson, Joe Blanton, Weaver and Jason Vargas.

“It’s for the next week only,” Scioscia said. “We won’t stick with it.”

Short hops

Right-hander Billy Buckner, designated for assignment Sunday after throwing five scoreless innings in Saturday’s win over Kansas City, cleared waivers and accepted an invitation to return to Salt Lake.

mike.digiovanna@latimes.com