Angels' Madson could start the year on the disabled list

Los Angeles Angels reliever Ryan Madson, who projects as the team's closer this season, may begin the regular season on the disabled list due to elbow soreness.

Madson told reporters Monday that he let team doctors know after halting his offseason throwing program Feb. 1, and was advised to temporarily stop.

Madson, 32, had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow last April, shortly after signing with the Cincinnati Reds.

"I've been feeling pretty good until the last little bit," Madson said. "I don't know if I amped it up too much getting excited and it wasn't ready. I don't know."

Because of the inactivity, the Madson signed a one-year, incentive-heavy contract with the Angels over the winter.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia told reporters that he expects Madson to be pitching "at some point in April."