Worth noting

• Since returning from a right groin strain in mid-July, Erick Aybar has started 35 straight games at shortstop for the Angels, including Thursday's. But the 30-year-old wants to keep playing, saying in Spanish: "We have a day off Monday. I can rest then. At this point in the season, nobody wants a day off."

• The A's flipped two of their starters for the weekend series, going with Jeff Samardzija on Saturday and Scott Kazmir on Sunday. The move allows A's manager Bob Melvin to split up his two lefties, Kazmir and Jon Lester, while also giving Kazmir some extra rest.

• Lefty specialist Joe Thatcher (left ankle sprain) said his bullpen session on Saturday "didn't go so well," but added: "My arm is in shape, so as soon as my ankle is ready, I'll be ready to go. There's no buildup process." Sunday will be the four-week mark since Thatcher was placed on the disabled list with an injury that carried a four- to six-week timetable.