By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Rays at Angels
When/where: 10:05 tonight; Angel Stadium, Anaheim
TV/radio: Sun Sports; 620-AM, 680-AM (Spanish)
Starting pitchers
RAYS: RH James Shields (5-4, 2.77)
ANGELS: RH Jered Weaver (7-4, 2.14)
Watch for …
Big-Game James: Shields is coming off his worst start, allowing eight runs (seven earned) while lasting only four innings at Seattle, ending a streak of nine quality starts. He is 5-3, 2.93 in 10 starts vs. the Angels but 1-2, 6.30 in three in Anaheim.
Dream-weaver: Weaver started 6-0, went all of May without a win, then beat the Yankees on Friday. He usually has his way with the Rays, compiling a 4-1, 2.27 mark in six starts and allowing them only a .191 average.
Key matchups
Rays vs. Weaver
Johnny Damon 6-for-33
Evan Longoria 3-for-8
B.J. Upton 3-for-14
Angels vs. Shields
Bobby Abreu 8-for-28, HR
Torii Hunter 6-for-25
Howie Kendrick 11-for-18
On deck
Thursday: Off
Friday: at Orioles, 7:05, Sun Sports. Rays — Jeremy Hellickson (7-3, 2.64); O's — Jake Arrieta (7-3, 4.93)
Saturday: at Orioles, 7:05, Sun Sports. Rays — David Price (6-5, 3.52); O's — Jeremy Guthrie (2-8, 3.71)
Sunday: at Orioles, 1:35, Sun Sports. Rays — Wade Davis (4-5, 4.71); O's — Brian Matusz (1-0, 2.45)
Hopeful quote of the day
"I don't what it is, but whatever it is, I don't want it."
RHP James Shields on the stomach ailment affecting the team.
Silent honor of the day
1B coach (Silent) George Hendrick wouldn't talk about it, of course, but Rays manager Joe Maddon was sure he felt honored to throw out the first pitch Tuesday as part of the Angels' 50th anniversary season celebration. "I really believe that he's really enjoying this moment," Maddon said. "I think deep down he's pleased with the respect being shown to him in this manner." Hendrick played for the Angels 1985-88 and coached 1998-99.