Los Angeles @ Tampa Bay preview

Last Meeting ( May 18, 2014 ) Tampa Bay 2, LA Angels 6

The Tampa Bay Rays encounter the daunting reality of life without David Price on Friday as they start a three-game series against the visiting Los Angeles Angels. The Rays raised eyebrows by trading the 2012 American League Cy Young Award winner for Detroit left-hander Drew Smyly, Seattle infielder Nick Franklin and 18-year-old prospect Willy Adames in a blockbuster three-team deal on Thursday. Tampa Bay, which has won nine of 11 following the All-Star break, resides 7 1/2 games behind AL East-leading Baltimore after the latter dropped a 13-inning marathon to Los Angeles.

The Angels, who moved within two games of AL West-leading Oakland, outscored the Rays by an 18-10 margin en route to seizing three of four from May 15-18 at home. Albert Pujols, who had the winning RBI single on Thursday, homered twice off Price in the Angels' 6-2 win on May 18. The veteran slugger hasn't fared as well against Friday starter Jeremy Hellickson, going 0-for-5 with three strikeouts.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), Sun Sports (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Matt Shoemaker (8-3, 4.13 ERA) vs. Rays RH Jeremy Hellickson (0-0, 1.00)

Shoemaker improved to 5-2 in his last seven trips to the mound after scattering three hits over seven scoreless innings en route to a 4-0 triumph over Detroit on Saturday. The 27-year-old was also dominant in his lone career appearance versus Tampa Bay, permitting one run on two hits in six innings on May 18. Shoemaker owns a 3-1 record on the road, but his 6.66 ERA and six homers yielded in 25 2/3 innings leave a bit to be desired.

Hellickson pitched well in his second start since returning from elbow surgery in January, scattering five hits over 4 2/3 scoreless innings against Boston on Saturday. The 27-year-old has dominated the Angels in his career, posting a 3-1 mark with a 1.80 ERA and 0.96 WHIP while limiting the club to a .207 batting average. Hellickson permitted only four hits in 5 1/3 scoreless innings in his last meeting with Los Angeles in 2013.

WALK-OFFS

1. Los Angeles 3B David Freese matched a career high with four hits on Thursday, equaling his sum total of the previous 10 contests.

2. Tampa Bay 1B James Loney is riding an on-base streak of 19 games and went 4-for-14 with three RBIs in the previous series versus the Angels.

3. Sidelined with a sprained right ankle since July 10, Los Angeles LHP C.J. Wilson is expected to return to start Saturday's contest.

PREDICTION: Rays 3, Angels 2