Orioles at Angels
Albert Pujols is just two hits away from reaching 3,000 for his career as the Los Angeles Angels look to complete a three-game sweep against the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday. Pujols went 2-for-4 with a homer in Wednesday's 10-7 victory to move closer to becoming the 32nd player to reach the milestone.
Wednesday's homer was the 620th of Pujols' career as he prepares to join Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Alex Rodriguez as the only players with at least 3,000 hits and 600 blasts. Angels star Mike Trout clubbed his 11th homer of the season on Wednesday and is tied with Boston's Mookie Betts for most in the majors. While Los Angeles is showing life after ending a 3-9 stretch, Baltimore has floundered all season and has lost eight of its last 10 games. Chris Davis recorded two hits on Wednesday in his first start since April 27, raising his average to a season-high .179.
TV: 10:07 p.m. ET, MASN (Baltimore), FS West (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Chris Tillman (1-4, 7.03 ERA) vs. Angels RH Jaime Barria (1-1, 3.86)
Tillman was superb while defeating Detroit in his last outing as he allowed just one hit over seven scoreless innings. The 30-year-old had dropped 11 consecutive decisions dating back to May 7 before breaking the skid in stellar fashion. Tillman is 3-0 with a 2.84 ERA in six career starts against the Angels and has enjoyed good success against Trout (2-for-12) while struggling with Ian Kinsler (8-for-26, two homers).
Barria will be recalled prior to Thursday's game to make his third start of the season. The 21-year-old gave up two runs and five hits in two-plus innings on April 22 against San Francisco in his last turn. Barria defeated Texas in his major-league debut on April 11, when he allowed one run and one hit - a homer by Ryan Rua - in five frames.
WALK-OFFS
1. Angels RHP Shohei Ohtani (ankle) threw a bullpen session on Wednesday, but the team hasn't yet decided when he will make his next start.
2. Orioles C Chance Sisco (nose) sat out Wednesday but avoided a concussion in his collision with 3B Pedro Alvarez while pursuing a foul pop-up the previous night.
3. Los Angeles RHP Nick Tropeano (shoulder) was placed on the 10-day disabled list and INF Ryan Schimpf was recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake.