Los Angeles @ Baltimore preview
Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Last Meeting ( Aug 29, 2010 ) Baltimore 1, LA Angels 0
THE STORY: When the Los Angeles Angels begin a 10-game road trip on Friday against the Baltimore Orioles, they’ll start the day just three games behind the first-place Texas Rangers in the American League West. The Angels won two of three against the Rangers, while Baltimore has emerged victorious in just three of its last 10 games. The last-place Orioles are 19 1/2 games out of first in the AL East after losing two of three to the Boston Red Sox.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Fox Sports West, MASN
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Ervin Santana (4-8, 3.84 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Alfredo Simon (2-2, 4.36 ERA)
Santana has posted a 2.48 ERA in four straight quality starts since his four-game losing streak. He is 3-4 with a 5.84 ERA in 10 career starts against Baltimore. The Angels are 12-4 in Santana’s last 16 Friday starts.
Simon gave up two runs on three hits while striking out five over seven innings last Saturday against the Cleveland Indians. Simon is making his third start of the season and first career against the Angels.
ABOUT THE ANGELS (53-46): Many fans believe the Angels may have turned around their season when they rallied with six runs in the sixth inning and recorded a 9-8 victory over Texas on Wednesday. Trailing 8-3 heading into the sixth, the Angels were in danger of falling six games behind the Rangers. Instead, Howie Kendrick capped the rally with a two-run single and the Angels snapped the Rangers’ 12-game win streak. The Angels capitalized on the win with another victory Thursday, when Jared Weaver threw seven scoreless innings. Los Angeles won despite being held to just two hits by C.J. Wilson, but it will need to get its offense untracked during the current road trip. Torii Hunter has stumbled out of the All-Star break with just one hit – a home run – in 25 at-bats. Los Angeles will see plenty of the Rangers down the stretch; the Angels are scheduled to play 10 of their final 41 games against Texas, including a three-game series at home to end the regular season.
ABOUT THE ORIOLES (39-56): Don’t expect to see starting pitcher Brian Matusz back in the Orioles rotation anytime soon. Baltimore will surely want to see more from Matusz after he gave up eight runs - seven earned - on eight hits over 3 2/3 innings Thursday in his latest start with Triple-A Norfolk. There was reason for optimism after the lefthander threw seven shutout innings in his previous start for Norfolk, but Thursday’s outing was a definite setback. If pitcher Jim Johnson isn’t dealt at the trade deadline, he might make a few starts late in the season as the Orioles look to find the best role for the 28-year-old righthander. Outfielder Luke Scott (shoulder) has resumed his rehab assignment after resting since Monday. He could rejoin the Orioles as soon as this weekend. Also, shortstop Cesar Izturis (elbow) will begin his minor league rehab assignment Friday and could rejoin the Orioles as soon as next Tuesday.
FINAL PITCH: The Angels are 12-5 in their last 17 games against a right-handed starter.