Worth noting

• Howie Kendrick (sprained left knee) is "closer now than he was last week," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. But there's still no definitive date for his return. The earliest Kendrick could make it back would be next weekend in Houston, especially with the Angels playing on artificial turf at Rogers Centre in Toronto from Tuesday to Thursday.

• Josh Hamilton started his seventh consecutive game at designated hitter on Saturday and still hasn't played the outfield since Aug. 27. Hamilton said Friday that the soreness in his left shoulder has subsided, but the Angels will continue to be cautious. "He'll play the outfield at some point," Scioscia said.

• Third baseman Luis Jimenez exited Saturday's 8-3 win over the Rangers in the seventh inning with a sore right thumb, which he incurred on a hit by pitch three innings earlier. His left thumb was also sore after sliding into home plate in the second, but he said he won't be needing an MRI.