Angels manager Mike Scioscia said Monday that Vernon Wells (thumb) is on schedule to begin a minor league rehab assignment this weekend.

Wells is expected to play 7-10 games in the minors, but he could be activated by the end of the month. The 33-year-old outfielder has been sidelined for nearly two months following surgery on his right thumb. While Wells isn't going to get regular at-bats upon his return, Peter Bourjos will be even further squeezed for playing time.

Vernon Wells played catch Tuesday for the first time since undergoing thumb surgery in late May.

Wells has also been cleared to begin performing other baseball-related activities. He is currently on track to return to the Angels near the beginning of August.

Vernon Wells (thumb) has yet to be cleared to swing a bat or throw.

He's stepped up his running drills and shagging fly balls, but swinging a bat and throwing are much bigger hurdles for his surgically-repaired thumb. Wells is probably looking at a late July or early August return at this point.

Vernon Wells told Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com that he would be reluctant to waive his no-trade clause.

"I prefer to stay here," said Wells. "I love being here. The guys are awesome. We have the potential to be really good for a long time. I haven't been thinking about (the possibility of a trade)." In truth, the no-trade clause probably doesn't matter all that much. Wells is coming back from thumb surgery and is still owed more than $50 million, so the Angels would have to pay the great majority of his remaining contract to draw even a smidgen of interest. We just don't see that happening.

Angels transferred OF Vernon Wells from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list.

Wells underwent surgery in late May to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb. He's making good progress but will not return to the Angels before the All-Star break.

Vernon Wells remains on track in his recovery from right thumb surgery.

Wells is still in a cast, but will get stitches removed on Saturday before being cleared for range-of-motion exercises. Given the success of Mike Trout, his role with the Angels coming back from injury remains to be seen. Wells, under contract through the 2014 season, expects to return ahead of his initial timetable in July.

Vernon Wells will need surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb and will be sidelined for at least 8-10 weeks.

He'll undergo the procedure Tuesday, and it sounds like he will not be back until the second half. The Angels are probably better off without Wells in the lineup, anyway, but it obviously hurts their depth. Peter Bourjos is due for an uptick in playing time.

Vernon Wells (thumb) and Ryan Langerhans (separated right shoulder) are both likely to be placed on the disabled list, Angels manager Mike Scioscia said Sunday.

Neither player flew to Oakland, another indication that several roster moves are coming. Wells hurts his thumb during a stolen base attempt Sunday and Langerhans hurt his shoulder running into a wall chasing a John Baker double. Unfortunately for the Angels, MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez confirmed that Torii Hunter will not be back with the club Monday. The Angels used 21 players in their 13-inning loss to San Diego Sunday, partly because of the length of the game, and partly because Hunter and Langerhans hurt themselves. Stay tuned for a slew of roster moves out of LA.

Vernon Wells is not in Saturday's lineup against the Rangers.

It's likely just a scheduled day off with Peter Bourjos struggling for playing time. Albert Pujols will serve as the designated hitter. Mark Trumbo is starting at first base, batting fifth.

Vernon Wells is not in Friday's lineup against the Blue Jays.

Just four for his past 24 (.167), the .220/.237/.396 hitting Wells is being benched against Jays righty Henderson Alvarez. With the Halos committed to playing Mike Trout every day and intent on getting Mark Trumbo's bat in the lineup, Wells could begin to find himself on the bench more often if he doesn't do something to turn around his year-plus slump.

Vernon Wells went 2-for-4 with a solo homer and two runs scored in Saturday's win over the Yankees.

Wells is still batting just .233 (7-for-30) on the year, but he has at least managed two hits in two out of the last three games. He has yet to draw a walk this season, though.

Vernon Wells was given the day off Monday.

Wells is 2-for-13 with no walks and four strikeouts through three games this season. "He needs to get simple," Angels manager Mike Scioscia told reporters before Monday's afternoon tilt with the Twins. "Less is more."

Vernon Wells launched a solo homer in one of his three trips to the plate Wednesday against the Reds.

He took Bronson Arroyo deep in the third inning for his third longball this spring. Wells has also driven in 12 runs while batting .250. The 33-year-old veteran is hoping to improve upon a woeful .218/.248/.412 batting line from last season.

Vernon Wells led the Angels' offensive outburst Sunday, going 2-for-4 with a homer and five RBI in a 17-2 rout of an Indians split-squad.

That's more RBI than he had all last season. Well, almost anyway. Wells is 4-for-14 with seven RBI this spring. He's a definite candidate for a bounce-back season, but since Anaheim isn't as kind to right-handed hitters as Toronto was, it's doubtful that he'll match his previous heights. .260-25-85 sounds about right.

ESPN's Buster Olney suggests that change could be imminent between the Angels and Vernon Wells.

The Angels have $63 million invested in Wells over the next three seasons, but Olney speculates that GM Jerry Dipoto could look to facilitate change because the acquisition of Wells wasn't part of his regime. The Angels are currently loaded with alternatives in Bobby Abreu and Kendrys Morales. Top prospect Mike Trout is expected to begin 2012 in Triple-A Salt Lake.

Vernon Wells did not exercise his opt-out.

Wells was allowed to get out of the remaining three years of his deal after this season, but he'd be walking away from $63 million in salary. The 32-year-old outfielder posted a disappointing .218/.248/.412 batting line in 131 games this season and wouldn't come near that kind of money on the open market.

Vernon Wells launched his 23rd home run of the season en route to a 2-for-5 performance on Tuesday.

It was Wells' third consecutive two-hit effort, raising his batting average to .224. Since April 1, he has hit no higher than .225.

Vernon Wells hinted Sunday that he does not plan to opt out of his contract this offseason.

And why would he? Wells, who has batted just .219 with a .252 on-base percentage in 121 games this year, is owed $21 million annually through 2014. He wouldn't come close to that salary on the open market. It's a wonder why the Angels ever wanted to trade for him in the first place.

Vernon Wells tripled and homered on Monday, driving in two runs in Los Angeles' loss to the A's.

The multi-XBH hit night was Wells' first in 13 games. Batting .220/.254/.404 with just 15 games left go go, Wells has done nothing this season to make his contract look any less horrific.

Vernon Wells drove in two runs Saturday to help the Angels top the Rangers by a score of 8-4.

Wells opened the game's scoring with a solo shot in the second inning then drove in Torii Hunter with a triple in the seventh. He finished only a single and a double from the cycle. Wells is now batting .215/.249/.395 with 18 homers and 48 RBI.