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Los Angeles Angels right-hander Ryan Madson took "the most significant step yet" in his return from Tommy John surgery, according to Mike DiGiovanna of The Los Angeles Times. The reliever completed a 40-pitch bullpen session on Tuesday "without one bit of pain."
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Madson was able to throw all three of his pitches during yesterday's session. He's been sidelined through the spring and the start of the regular season due to a sore elbow, but he expects to begin a minor league rehab assignment at some point next week. If all goes well on assignment, Madson is eyeing a May 1 return to the bigs.
Following his bullpen session, Madson told reporters that right now is the closest he's felt to "being normal." He felt great yesterday and didn't experience any issues. He even went as far as to say he felt like he could "throw in a game tonight" if he had to.
While Madson has been a closer in the past, that role is currently occupied by Ernesto Frieri. Manager Mike Scioscia told reporters that Madson's status with the team is still to be determined.