Worth noting

• The Angels' pitching staff has struck out at least 10 batters without allowing an earned run in three straight home games. The Angels are the first American League team to do so since 1916.

• Garrett Richards has spent time in both the Angels bullpen and rotation this season, and Angels manager Mike Scioscia believes Richards could potentially fill either role as his career progresses.

"You see a guy that could be a good Major League starter and you see some things that could make him a good Major League closer, so we'll see how things progress with Garrett," Scioscia said.

• Prior to the Chevrolet Home Run Derby, Scioscia said he was not a fan of the event because of its grueling nature.

As the Angels opened the second half against an Athletics lineup that was without Derby champion Yoenis Cespedes -- who missed all three starts with a sore left wrist -- Scioscia reiterated his beliefs.

"It's a lot of high energy swings for anybody to take," Scioscia said. "Some guys come out of it fine, some guys come out of it maybe not quite where they want to be. It's just a personal decision I think some players have to make."