"Dan Haren learned a valuable lesson from the back spasms that struck him during his throwing session Wednesday in Kansas City.

"It was a lot of work, being hurt," the Angels right-hander said Sunday. "It's a lot easier being healthy. I'm exhausted from all the work I've been doing, getting treatment, coming in on the off day and stuff like that.

"I'm ready to be healthy again."

Haren has a lot more experience with that. He has never missed a start as a professional, making 215 consecutive since 2005 (the most in the majors). That streak was in serious jeopardy after his back seized up during his throwing session Wednesday.

But Haren "passed all the tests" during his pre-game workout Sunday, throwing approximately 30 pitches in a bullpen session and going through some fielding drills as well. He will start on Tuesday against the Rays.

"When it happened, I thought I'd be down for awhile because it was pretty painful," Haren said. "But I felt good. I let it fly the last four, five pitches. I'll be good to go Tuesday.

"Part of it today was getting past the mental hurdle. Those last few pitches, I was letting it go with no restrictions."

The Angels were able to absorb Haren's issues because they had an off day Thursday (and have another coming up next Thursday). But Haren takes pride in "taking the ball every fifth day" and didn't like making Ervin Santana, Joel Pineiro and Tyler Chatwood give up the extra day's rest they were scheduled to get."