Angels at Athletics
Jered Weaver looks to become the American League’s first seven-game winner when the Angels meet the host Athletics in the rubber game of the three-game series. The Angels beat Oakland for the third time in eight games this season on Tuesday, when C.J. Wilson and Ernesto Frieri combined on a one-hitter. Albert Pujols belted his fourth home run in the win, and he’s showing signs of leaving his slow start behind with 15 RBIs in his last 16 games.
Oakland’s offensive struggles continued Tuesday with the team’s third shutout in its last eight games. The Athletics have scored just 20 runs over that stretch, but they’re hoping to get slugger Yoenis Cespedes (hand) back from the disabled list within the next 10 days. The lineup should also get a boost from Manny Ramirez, who is scheduled to make his Oakland debut on May 30. He went 1-for-2 in his third game with Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday.
TV: 3:35 p.m. ET, FSW (Los Angeles), CSNCA (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Jered Weaver (6-1, 2.80 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Jarrod Parker (1-2, 3.90 ERA)
Weaver, who gave up two runs over seven innings last Friday in San Diego, has 53 strikeouts over his first 61 innings. He has a 0.83 ERA in four home starts, but he’s 2-1 with a 5.08 ERA in five starts on the road. Weaver is 7-7 with a 2.71 ERA in his career against the Athletics.
Parker struggled in his last start when he allowed six runs in two innings against San Francisco. He’s walked at least four batters in each of his last three starts, and his 18/17 strikeout-to-walk ratio is an early concern. Parker is making his first career start against Los Angeles.
WALK-OFFS:
1. The Angels’ Erick Aybar is listed as day-to-day after being hit by a pitch in Tuesday’s game and leaving with a right knee contusion.
2. Oakland optioned reliever Pedro Figueroa to Triple-A Sacramento to make room for starting pitcher Graham Godfrey on the 25-man roster.
3. Angels utilityman Maicer Izturis has one hit in his last 19 at-bats after going 1-for-5 on Tuesday.