Jered Weaver should start Saturday, Angels Manager Mike Scioscia says

Jered Weaver’s tight back appears to be healing without any issues. Angels Manager Mike Scioscia said before Wednesday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays that Weaver is on track to start in his rotation spot Saturday.

Weaver, who is 9-6 with a 3.50 earned-run average in 118 1/3 innings this season, left Monday’s game with lower-back tightness after just two innings. He said he felt better after the game and received treatment and played catch Tuesday. Weaver went on the disabled list with a similar ailment in 2012.

“Just based on his workout this afternoon, he definitely seems like he’s past that point of being at risk, and he didn’t feel a thing,” Scioscia said. “So most likely, if he can feel good the next couple of days he’ll pitch on Saturday.”

Scioscia said he has thought about giving Weaver extra rest before the All-Star break but sees no reason for it as long as Weaver isn’t in any discomfort. Entering Wednesday, the Angels (52-37) trailed the first-place Oakland Athletics by 4 1/2 games in the American League West. Hector Santiago would probably fill in for Weaver.

In the clubhouse, Weaver declared that his back felt “awesome,” but that was before he had done any throwing. He was slated for a bullpen session and long toss.

The news came back positive. And if that means Weaver won’t miss a start, the Angels will think that’s pretty awesome too.

Follow Zach Helfand on Twitter: @zhelfand