Los Angeles @ Toronto preview
Rogers Centre
Last Meeting ( Jun 29, 2012 ) LA Angels 5, Toronto 7
The Toronto Blue Jays always looked on paper to have a formidable lineup, and with Adam Lind starting to regain his power stroke, they might start to tap that potential. The Blue Jays took the first step toward doing so Friday, as Lind homered twice in a 7-5 win over the visiting Los Angeles Angels, and they'll try to keep the bats hot when the four-game series continues. The loss was just the second in 16 road games for the Angels, who slipped 5 1/2 games behind Texas in the American League West.
The Blue Jays might be holding their breath when Henderson Alvarez takes the mound. The promising right-hander left his last start early because of elbow soreness, and with Brandon Morrow and Drew Hutchison already shelved with injuries, Toronto can't afford to lose another starter. Alvarez tossed a six-hit shutout against the Angels on May 4.
TV: 1:07 p.m. ET, Fox Sports West (Los Angeles), SNET, TVA Sports (Toronto)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Garrett Richards (2-0, 1.63 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Henderson Alvarez (4-6, 4.36)
Despite his impressive record so far, Richards could be making his final start before heading back to the minors. Jerome Williams is set to make a rehab start at Triple-A Salt Lake City on Sunday, and his return might force the Angels to send Richards down. The 24-year-old didn't get a decision his last time out, but he held the Dodgers to three runs over 6 2/3 innings and struck out five.
Despite the early exit Monday at Boston, Alvarez earned the win, allowed five runs (three earned) over five innings. It was his first win since May 10, a span of seven starts without a victory. Alvarez has struggled at Rogers Centre, where he is 1-5 with a 4.83 ERA in eight starts this season. His last home win came April 29 against Seattle.
WALK-OFFS
1. Angels rookie Mike Trout is riding a career-best 11-game hitting streak, the longest active run in the majors. He is 20-for-50 (.400) during the streak.
2. Blue Jays reliever Casey Janssen is 9-for-9 in save chances since assuming the closer's role May 9. He struck out two in a perfect ninth to save Friday's game.
3. Los Angeles' Mark Trumbo has 27 RBIs in June. The franchise record for RBIs in June is 30 set by Vladimir Guerrero in 2004.