New York @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 11, 2011 ) LA Angels 5, NY Yankees 6

THE STORY: Jered Weaver has hardly resembled the pitcher who represented the American League in the All-Star Game. After permitting at least six runs in three of his last five starts, Weaver will look to right the ship on Friday when the Los Angeles Angels open a three-game set against the New York Yankees. The Angels have won four of six during their current nine-game homestand and trail the American League West-leading Texas Rangers by 2 1/2 games. For its part, New York dropped the last two contests of its four-game set against the lowly Baltimore Orioles and lead the Boston Red Sox by 2.5 games in the AL East.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, YES (New York), FSW (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Bartolo Colon (8-9, 3.72 ERA) vs. Angels RH Jered Weaver (16-7, 2.49 ERA)

After going winless in August, Colon didn't start September off too well, either. The 38-year-old Dominican lost three straight starts before yielding four runs on seven hits in a no-decision against the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday. Colon has fared well against his former team, notching a win on June 5 to improve to 8-5 in his career. He has pitched into the sixth inning in both starts against the Angels this season.

After permitting seven runs in a loss to Texas on Aug. 28, Weaver overcame a six-spot in five innings to record a 10-6 win over the Minnesota Twins on Saturday. His recent efforts are a far cry from his lone outing against the Yankees this season. Weaver scattered three hits over seven innings on June 3 to collect his fifth career win in seven decisions.

ABOUT THE YANKEES (87-55): While "Charm City" offers a wonderful view and incredible food, manager Joe Girardi's club wasn't supposed to spend Thursday in Baltimore. In fact, it was supposed to be an off day to travel to the West Coast, but the tired Yankees had to play a makeup game against their division rivals instead. To add salt in the wound, New York began its now 10-game road trip with a 5-4 loss in 10 innings. Derek Jeter extended his hitting streak to seven games with a two-run single in the second inning. The captain, however, has struggled against Weaver, going 2-for-19 in his career. Catcher Francisco Cervelli cemented his tough-guy persona after bouncing back from being bowled over by Nick Markakis in the seventh inning. Despite having three documented concussions, Cervelli shrugged it off and proclaimed himself ready for Friday.

ABOUT THE ANGELS (78-65): While New York has been taxed, Los Angeles enjoyed a lazy day off on Thursday. The Angels had taken two of three from the woe-begotten Seattle Mariners prior to the respite. Mike Scioscia's club has no qualms about facing the Yankees on the West Coast. After all, the Angels have won 21 of their last 31 home meetings against New York. Torii Hunter saw his nine-game hitting streak come to an end on Wednesday, but he's likely to start a new one against Colon. Hunter has 13 career hits - including two homers - against his former teammate. Conversely, Bobby Abreu is just 4-for-19 with four strikeouts versus Colon.

FINAL PITCH: Apparently, the Yankees have something against taking it easy. On Thursday, the club announced that it will play a day-night doubleheader against the Tampa Bay Rays on Sept. 21. This comes as a result of a rainout on Aug. 14.