Toronto @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 1, 2013 ) Toronto 2, LA Angels 8

Toronto got battered in the opener and outfielder Melky Cabrera was placed on the disabled list afterward as the Blue Jays seek to rebound when they face the Los Angeles Angels in Friday’s second contest of the four-game set. The Angels scored seven runs in the first three innings and rolled to an 8-2 victory to halt a six-game skid. Cabrera left the contest in the fourth inning with irritation in his left knee.

J.B. Shuck had three RBIs and Mark Trumbo hit a two-run homer as Los Angeles cruised in the opener. Trumbo will see most of his action at first base with Albert Pujols (foot) sidelined for at least three weeks if not the remainder of the season. Toronto’s Brett Lawrie had two hits in the opener and has a .327 career average against the Angels.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, RSN (Toronto), FS West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Todd Redmond (1-1, 3.81 ERA) vs. Angels RH Tommy Hanson (4-2, 5.15)

Redmond is making his sixth career start and is coming off the best outing of his short career. He struck out 10 batters and allowed one run and three in six innings while taking a no-decision against the Houston Astros. Redmond is holding opposing hitters to a .194 average.

Hanson was shaky once again in his last outing when he gave up five runs, four hits and five walks in 4 2/3 innings in a no-decision against Oakland. He has allowed 13 runs in 12 innings over his last three starts. Hanson won his lone career start against Toronto, allowing two runs and five hits in eight innings last season as a member of the Atlanta Braves.

WALK-OFFS

1. Blue Jays OF Colby Rasmus had two hits in the opener and is 7-for-13 over the last three games.

2. Angels OF Mike Trout has reached base in 32 consecutive games.

3. Toronto SS Jose Reyes is 8-for-21 with five doubles against Hanson.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 11, Angels 4