"The left gluteal muscle strain that landed Rich Harden on the 15-day disabled list June 12 is an ache the 28-year-old right-hander has dealt with most of the season.

Steps taken in recent days appear to have already lessened the pain. An MRI exam the day after he went on the DL (the third Rangers pitcher to do so since May 12) showed no further damage. And an injection last week relieved the pain and inflammation enough that he's been able to throw off flat ground the last two days.

Harden said he's "really looking forward to just get after my throwing here and get back into my training and lower body stuff." "