The Los Angeles Angels made up some ground in their slim playoff pursuit this week, but still have a long road ahead if they hope to get back in contention.
They'll open a crucial three-game series against the Oakland A's beginning Friday night at Angel Stadium.
The A's (68-47) won six of their past seven games to surge ahead of the Seattle Mariners for the second wild card from the American League. They'll enter Friday 10 1/2 games ahead of the Angels (58-58), who are coming off a three-game sweep against the visiting Detroit Tigers.