Game 37: A’s-Angels …

Athletics (19-17)

Jemile Weeks, 2B
Cliff Pennington, SS
Josh Reddick, RF
Seth Smith, LF
Kila Ka’aihue, DH
Josh Donaldson, 3B
Daric Barton, 1B
Kurt Suzuki, C
Collin Cowgill, CF

Pitching: RH Bartolo Colon (3-3, 3.96 ERA)

Angels (15-21)

Mike Trout, CF
Alberto Callaspo, 3B
Albert Pujols, 1B
Kendrys Morales, DH
Mark Trumbo, RF
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Vernon Wells, LF
Erick Aybar, SS
Bobby Wilson, C

Pitching: RH Ervin Santana (1-6, 5.09 ERA)

Some pregame notes …

• Angels manager Mike Scioscia didn’t want to go into any detail on Torii Hunter‘s situation. Asked for any updates, he said: “Same thing, personal issue. No update.”
• Scioscia, on Colon being able to throw 38 consecutive strikes the last time he faced the Angels: “It wasn’t like he was throwing four-seam fastballs down the middle and saying, ‘Hey, here’s a strike.’ He had uncanny command, he had uncanny movement with a lot of two-seamers and was able to really hit spots. He turns his fastball into three or four different looks. It was just a ridiculous amount of strikes he threw, but they were all quality pitches with good movement.”
• Asked Scioscia about the possibility of hitting Pujols lower in the lineup while he tries to figure some things out. Here’s what he said: “You’d only consider that if it was going to be a means to a better end. We don’t see that as anything that’s going to get us there right now. One thing is, is you look at some different lineup considerations, we definitely feel better to grind it out with where Albert is now.”

Some Angels links from Monday …

• Angels shutout for eighth time in 36 games
• Dan Haren‘s struggles continue
• Trumbo will be counted on with Torii away
• Angels place Hunter on restricted list
• Angels host Honorary Bat Girl
• Santana looks to cool A’s in Anaheim

Some AL West links …

• Josh Hamilton‘s historic week among all-time best
• For now, Ichiro Suzuki staying put in 3 spot
• Manny Ramirez on track to join A’s by May 30

And with Chris Bosh out, the Heat will be tested.

– Alden