AL WEST NOTES
Angels
Mike Trout went 2 for 3 while facing the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw in the regular season for the first time in the Southern California stars’ careers. “I love watching a guy like that,” said Trout, who has a 20-game hitting streak in interleague play. “It’s pretty cool facing him.” Trout beat out an infield single in the first inning, and he laced a double down the line on the first pitch of the third. Kershaw, who hadn’t pitched against the Angels since 2011, struck out Trout on three pitches in the fifth. “I’m not going to talk about individual at-bats,” Kershaw said. “I mean, he’s a great hitter and he got two hits tonight, so tip your cap.”
Astros
Dallas Keuchel (10-7) has allowed just two earned runs in his last three starts, but is only 1-1 in that span. The lefty lowered his ERA to 2.89. After falling to the Phillies in 15 innings, manager Bo Porter said, “A really tough game. We just couldn’t get the offense going. Keuchel was really on his game.”
Athletics
An opossum wandered into left field to watch during extra innings last week, right before John Jaso stepped in. He’s no stranger to little creatures, having batted with a squirrel in the infield and a pigeon near the plate this year, too. Jeff Samardzija says it’s about time to make it the mascot. “He’s been out here before,” the pitcher said. “We’re going to have to give him a name, get him a jersey. We’ve got to keep feeding him.” … Sonny Gray earned his second American League pitcher of the month award after going 5-0 with a 1.03 ERA in July. He also won the award in April.
Mariners
Austin Jackson has batted leadoff since coming over in a three-team deal with Detroit. Manager Lloyd McClendon, who was Jackson’s hitting coach with the Tigers, believes Jackson has learned to be more patient at the plate — making him the ideal leadoff hitter. “The maturation process takes place, the confidence level builds and the guy gets better,” McClendon said. “I think he’s at a point now where he’s close to being a complete player.”
Rangers
RHP Nick Tepesch (3-8) rejoined the rotation. He skipped one turn because of a sore left knee. After two starts, Jerome Williams moved back to his customary bullpen role. … The last-place Texas Rangers routed the White Sox 16-0 last week, the largest shutout victory in team history. “The offense came through and gave me a lot of relaxation, especially after the first two innings,” said Colby Lewis (8-8), who recorded his second career shutout, both against the White Sox in Chicago. “I was able to pound the strike zone and get some quick outs.”
Compiled by Rick Crotts from wire reports.
