Left-hander Joe Saunders could be ready to return to the rotation just in time -- because it looks like there is going to be an opening.

Rookie Sean O'Sullivan retired just three of the 10 batters he faced in Friday's start against the Toronto Blue Jays and was yanked by Angels manager Mike Scioscia after walking the leadoff man in the second inning.

In his first five starts for the Angels this season, the 21-year-old O'Sullivan was 3-0 with a 3.72 ERA. But in four starts this since being recalled from Class AAA Salt Lake in early August, O'Sullivan is 0-2 with a 12.27 ERA (20 runs in 14 2/3 innings).

It is not likely that O'Sullivan will start the next time his spot in the rotation comes around (Thursday), particularly since Saunders threw a bullpen session before Friday's game in Toronto, testing the sore shoulder that landed him on the DL two weeks ago.

Saunders threw approximately 50 pitches in three "simulated" innings and said his shoulder felt better than it has all year.

"It felt good. It felt strong," Saunders said. "No tightness when I sat down between innings.

"I got after it. It felt like the ball was coming out firm. I was pretty pleased."

Saunders is likely to repeat the workout on Sunday or Monday, Scioscia said. But that could be scaled back somewhat in order to have Saunders ready to rejoin the rotation on Thursday against the Oakland A's.

BLUE JAYS 5, ANGELS 4: Rookie RHP Sean O'Sullivan retired just three of the 10 batters he faced, allowing four runs in the first inning and then getting pulled from the game after walking the first batter in the second inning. The Angels were shut out through six innings by Jays starter Marc Rzepczynski but rallied against the Jays bullpen before falling short. Mike Napoli hit a three-run home run in the ninth inning, but the Angels stranded the tying run at second base.

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