Athletics at Angels
The Athletics
try to remain above .500 when they take on the Angels in the opener of a
two-game series. Oakland fell to 18-17 after a loss to Detroit on Sunday. The
setback dropped the Athletics five games behind first-place Texas in the AL
West.
Oakland has
lost three of its last five games after winning five of six. Los Angeles also
has dropped three of five, including a loss at Texas on Sunday night that saw
ace Jered Weaver fall for the first time this season. The Angels occupy the
basement in the AL West, sitting eight games behind the Rangers.
TV: 10:05
p.m. ET, CSN California (Oakland), FSN West (Los Angeles)
PITCHING
MATCHUP: Athletics RH Tyson Ross (1-3, 7.71 ERA) vs. Angels RH Dan Haren (1-3,
4.19 ERA)
Ross looks
to snap a personal three-game losing streak as well as record his first road
win of the season. The 25-year-old allowed three runs in 5 2/3 innings of a
loss to Toronto on Wednesday, after surrendering a combined 16 runs and 20 hits
over 7 1/3 frames in his previous two outings. Ross made his season debut
against the Angels on April 17, allowing two runs over six innings of a
no-decision.
Haren hopes
to be in better physical shape than last time out, when he felt a small pinch
in his lower back during bullpen warmups in Minnesota on Tuesday. The
31-year-old went on to allow five runs and eight hits over 3 2/3 innings of a
loss. The former Oakland ace is 2-2 with a 3.45 ERA in seven starts against the
Athletics. Haren faced Ross on April 17, also receiving a no-decision despite
allowing just one run over 6 2/3 frames.
WALK-OFFS
1. Oakland
reliever Ryan Cook has yet to allow a run in 16 2/3 innings this season.
2. The
Athletics could see the return of catcher Kurt Suzuki (hand), third baseman
Brandon Inge (hamstring) and second baseman Jemile Weeks (ankle) on Monday.
First baseman Kila Ka'aihue (hamstring) remains sidelined.
3. Angels
third baseman Mark Trumbo has homered in two straight games after belting just
one over his previous 12 contests.