Angels
Huston Street became the Angels’ 29th pitcher this season, tying the franchise record set in 1996. … LHP Hector Santiago remained 1-7 with a 4.36 ERA in 13 starts with the Angels, who have used him four times in relief. … The Angels’ streak of winning 10 consecutive home series was snapped by the Orioles. The Angels hadn’t lost a series at home since May 5-7, when the Yankees took two of three.
Astros
The Astros also earned their first three-game winning streak against the A’s in franchise history. Oakland has been impressed with the strides made by its AL West opponent. “They’re a big league club. They’re going to win, they’re going to compete,” catcher John Jaso said. “I was surprised (it went out). I thought it would hit off the wall.”
Athletics
Former A’s pitcher Dave Stewart threw out the ceremonial first pitch as part of the 25th anniversary celebration. Members of that team, including Jose Canseco and Rickey Henderson, laid flowers at the base of the pitching mound where Bob Welch’s No. 35 was inscribed during a pre-game ceremony. Welch, who played on the ‘89 team, died of a heart attack in June. … A foot issue is keeping Stephen Vogt from catching right now. … All-Star 3B Josh Donaldson won the Heart and Hustle Award again. “Those are probably as good of words as you can come up with for him,” manager Bob Melvin said. “He’s dirty all the time.”
Mariners
Taijuan Walker was sent to Tacoma just before the All-Star break with an emphasis on working on his control. “I think he’s better,” manager Lloyd McClendon said. “He has worked out some things down there, from a mechanical standpoint.” … Seattle picked up its 22nd win vs. left-handed starters, most in baseball. … From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer: “When you take a look at where the Mariners were when the 2014 season began, it’s almost insane to hear Seattle mentioned among the potential teams to make the World Series. But that’s indeed what is happening these days as the M’s sit in wild-card contention as one of the hottest teams in baseball.”
Rangers
The Rangers believe Yu Darvish sometimes relies too much on strikeouts. If he allowed hitters to put the ball in play a little more, he might be able to go deeper into games, the New York Times reported. … C Geovany Soto went on the 15-day DL with a strained right groin, less than a week after he returned from right knee surgery that had kept him out all season. … According to the Dallas Morning News, OF Alex Rios, 33, is bothered by his name coming up in so many trade rumors recently.
Compiled by Rick Crotts from wire reports.
