ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Angels try for a three-game sweep of Oakland Athletics on Thursday with both starters working on extended rest.
In a faceoff between right-handers, the Angels' Ricky Nolasco (1-2, 4.76 ERA) will oppose the Athletics' Kendall Graveman (2-0, 2.00 ERA).
The Angels, concerned about Nolasco's mechanics after the veteran allowed seven home runs in his first 22 2/3 innings, passed him in the rotation so he could work out the kinks in his delivery.
Nolasco has one of baseball's best walks-per-inning rates -- he hasn't walked a batter in his last 12 innings -- but the journeyman has always been troubled by the home run.