Angels at Twins
After a shaky first month, the Angels appear to be getting more comfortable. They’ve won six of their last eight games, including Monday’s 8-3 win over the Twins when Jered Weaver followed up his no-hitter with six solid innings. The Twins are going in the opposite direction, having lost 12 of their last 14 games. Minnesota, which had six hits on Monday, began the series with just 14 hits and five runs total in their previous five games.
While the Angels are trending upward, their bullpen remains a concern. LaTroy Hawkins could miss 4-to-6 weeks because of a fractured right pinkie finger, and Scott Downs is day-to-day with a left knee contusion. Rookie David Carpenter struggled on Monday, recording just one out and giving up two runs on three hits. Ernesto Frieri or Jordan Walden will likely serve as the team’s closer until Downs returns, and Frieri has been sharp in two appearances since arriving last week in a trade from San Diego.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSW (Los Angeles), FSN (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Dan Haren (1-2, 3.43 ERA) vs. Twins LH Scott Diamond (2011: 1-5, 5.09 ERA)
Haren gave up five runs - three earned - in seven innings last Thursday in a loss to the Blue Jays. He’s allowed three earned runs or less in five of six starts this season and has left four of his starts with a lead. Haren is 4-3 with a 3.44 ERA in 11 career starts against the Twins.
Diamond was promoted from Triple-A Rochester to replace Liam Hendriks in the rotation after Hendriks had a 9.00 ERA in four starts Diamond had a 2.60 ERA over 34 2/3 innings in the minors this season, but he struggled in seven starts last year.
WALK-OFFS:
1. Minnesota’s Josh Willingham was out Monday due to a skin condition, and he’s considered day-to-day.
2. In seven games against the Twins this season, the Angels have scored 44 runs, an average of 6.3 per game.
3. Angels starters have a 1.84 ERA over their last seven games covering 53 2/3 innings.