Baltimore @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 7, 2012 ) Baltimore 0, LA Angels 3

The Los Angeles Angels and Baltimore Orioles will both be second in their respective divisions – and 1-2 in the American League wild card race – when they reach the All-Star break, which arrives after Sunday’s series finale at Angels Stadium. The teams have alternated victories in the first three games, with Los Angeles prevailing 3-0 on Saturday behind eight shutout innings by Jered Weaver.

Los Angeles is four games behind the Texas Rangers in the AL West while Baltimore is six back of the New York Yankees in the AL East.

Brad Mills will make his first start with the Angels after being called up from Triple-A Salt Lake and take Dan Haren’s spot in the rotation. Haren was placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday with a back injury. Mills last pitched in the majors in 2011. He was 2-3 – both wins came against Baltimore – in parts of three seasons with Toronto. Mills will oppose rookie Wei-Yin Chen, who is winless in his last three starts (0-2).

TV: 3:35 p.m. ET, MASN 2 (Baltimore), FS West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles LH Wei-Yin Chen (7-4, 3.64 ERA) vs. Angels LH Brad Mills (NR)

Chen allowed two runs, two hits and struck out nine in 7 1/3 innings in his last start, but didn’t receive a decision in the Orioles’ 5-4 victory at Seattle on Tuesday. His previous two starts weren’t nearly as good as he yielded nine runs (eight earned) and three homers in 11 1/3 innings. Chen received a no-decision in the Orioles’ 3-2 victory over the Angels on April 22 when he allowed one run and five hits.

Mills was 3-3 with a 4.47 ERA in nine starts at Triple-A Salt Lake. He last pitched in the major leagues with Toronto in 2011, when he allowed three runs in 5 1/3 innings to defeat the Orioles 5-4 on Aug. 5. Mills also pitched seven shutout innings and allowed two hits in a 5-0 victory over Baltimore on July 28, 2010. The Orioles’ roster is hitting .222 against him, with Adam Jones 1-for-6 (two-run homer).

WALK-OFFS

1. Rookie Mike Trout is the first player in Angels history to have at least 10 homers and 25 steals before the All-Star break. He leads the American League with 26 steals.

2. Los Angeles has won 11 of the last 15 games against Baltimore and seven of the last nine meetings at Angel Stadium.

3. Los Angeles will have four players in Tuesday's All-Star Game: Right-hander Jered Weaver, left-hander C.J. Wilson and outfielders Mark Trumbo and Mike Trout. Baltimore will be represented by closer Jim Johnson, catcher Matt Wieters and outfielder Adam Jones.