MLB.com reports that Angels catcher Mike Napoli went through what Angels manager Mike Scioscia described as a "full workout" on Monday afternoon at Fenway Park, putting him on schedule for a return to game action this weekend - most likely with Class A Rancho Cucamonga in the California League.Napoli is slugging .472 this season but carries just a .204 average. He will likely platoon once he returns to the majors. Unless he brings up the average, he has very little fantasy value.

Napoli, who's been sidelined since July 6 with right shoulder inflammation, has been able to swing the bat with no pain, but was only able to throw without restraint over the past two days. "He long-tossed at about 170 feet," said Scioscia. "He shortened it up and threw on a line, and really threw well." Keep an eye out for updates on the backstop's condition.

Mike Napoli (shoulder) played long-toss from 120 feet on Friday. Napoli has thrown on five consecutive days and has reported no discomfort. "It feels good," he said. "I'm able to get my arm up without pain." He'll begin throwing to bases from a crouching position next week and could begin a rehab assignment by next weekend.Source: New York Daily News

Mike Napoli (shoulder) will join the Angels on Friday though he is still a ways away from returning to the lineup, according to MLB.com. Napoli has been throwing since Monday, playing catch at 90 feet, but the team has still not commented as to when he will be back behind the plate.Napoli appears to still be at least a week away from returning, so Jeff Mathis owners can breathe a sigh of relief, at least for now.

Mike Napoli will travel with the Angels on their 11-game road trip that begins Friday. He began a throwing program on Monday, and the hope is that at some point during the trip he'll be feeling well enough to begin a rehab assignment. There's still no timetable for his return.Source: Angels.mlb.com

Napoli to travel with Angels on Friday

Napoli threw a few times Sunday to get warmed up, but the program began Monday. Angels manager Mike Scioscia said there remains no timetable for Napoli's return.

Mike Napoli on the disabled list because of an irritated right shoulder, took early batting practice, soft toss and hit off a tee Friday, according to the LA Times. The catcher hopes to begin throwing in the next few days.He did report soreness but should be back by early August.

Napoli takes batting practice

Mike Napoli was hopeful to resume swinging a bat and throwing on Thursday, but his ailing right shoulder needs more time to return to full strength, according to the LA Times.He will be held back until at least early next week. Jeff Mathis will continue to start at catcher until Napoli is ready to return.

Napoli still not at full strength

MRI shows no major damage for Napoli

Mike Napoli underwent an MRI on Monday which confirmed he is suffering from shoulder irritation, according to the OC Register. Skipper Mike Sciosca said, "It’s more of a relief than anything. There’s a lot of things that can happen with a shoulder and that’s an area you need to do a lot of things. We’re relieved. Once the inflammation comes out of there and he gets some strength back in that shoulder, he should be able to get back with us and we’re going to need him."Napoli is expected to rejoin the Angels in Texas on Tuesday and begin a rehabilitation program. Jeff Mathis is also expected to get nearly all of the work at catcher until Napoli returns.

AL-only owners might want to take a flier on Angels catcher Jeff Mathis. With Mike Napoli heading to the disabled list Mathis figures to see the majority of the work behind the plate.Mathis recorded three RBI on Sunday against the Blue Jays and only has to compete with recently promoted Ryan Budde for at-bats.

Shoulder injury sends Napoli to DL

Catcher Ryan Budde has been called up from Triple-A, according to the LA Times. He will replace Mike Napoli on the roster, who was placed on the 15-day DL with his shoulder ailment.Budde will serve as the backup to Jeff Mathis, and won't see enough action to consider for your fantasy roster.

As expected, Mike Napoli has been placed on the 15-day DL due to right shoulder inflammation, according to the LA Times. Ryan Budde has been recalled from Triple-A to fill his spot on the roster. The pain in Napoli's shoulder became unbearable and he said, "Something doesn't feel right in there. I've had good days and bad days. Some days, it hurts every time I throw back to the pitcher."Jeff Mathis will now be the primary catcher until Napoli returns.

MLB.com reports that the Angels expect to place Mike Napoli on the 15-day disabled list after an MRI on Monday.Napoli reports that "something doesn't feel right". Catcher Ryan Bubddle will be called up Triple-A but Jeff Mathis figures to pick up the bulk of the available starts.

Napoli headed to 15-day disabled list

Alex Rios had three hits and two RBI, but once again the story was his legs as he swiped three basses on the night off of Mike Napoli and the Angels.Rios, who has 21 SB, has only 29 extra base hits including a terrible total of just four home runs. All the running is somewhat helping to offset the lack of power, but at some point Rios is going to need to pick up the hitting or he will be tagged with the moniker of goat this season.