"Dan Haren felt fortunate for someone who had taken a line drive off his pitching forearm.

One inch lower, the Angels newcomer was told, and it could have hit him directly on the bone.

"I guess I got lucky," Haren said Tuesday, one day after Kevin Youkilis' fifth-inning line drive left only a bruise on his right forearm.

Haren said he "should be on track" to make his next scheduled start Saturday against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium after X-rays and an examination by team orthopedist Lewis Yocum revealed no serious damage.

Haren tested the arm during what he described as a more vigorous throwing session than he usually makes on days after his starts, using all his pitches without restrictions. He said he felt stiff, but the longer he threw, the more the area loosened up.

"If this is as bad as it's going to feel, it should be fine by the time Saturday rolls around," said Haren, who was wearing a protective sleeve on his forearm."