May 23 AL West Morning Briefing: 30 and .511

Houston Astros (30-15)

With Dallas Keuchel out, the Astros ran long reliever Brad Peacock out on the mound against the Detroit Tigers. And it worked, with the Astros picking up their Major League-leading 30th win. Peacock threw 4 1/3 scoreless innings and the bullpen finished it out. In all, the Tigers got just one hit. Jose Altuve drove in the winning run.

Astros 1, Tigers 0 

The Astros have called up reliever Jordan Jankowski, who has spent more than two seasons in the minors and got dogpiled by his Triple-A teammates when the call-up news came through.

Texas Rangers (24-21)

Monday was a travel day for the Ranger. Tonight they begin a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox in Fenway Park.

Adrian Beltre is on his way back, which means the Rangers have to decide what to do with Joey Gallo, who leads the team in home runs.

Globe Life Park was named the most vegan friendly ballpark by PETA. I know that's random, but you didn't expect that from DFW, did you? That's steak country.

Los Angeles Angels (24-23)

The Angels started their week-long tour of the Sunshine State with a win against the Tampa Bay Rays after Jeff Marte scored from third on a wild pitch. They yet again moved their wining percentage to the .511 mark. The bullpen held the lead against the Rays, who never scored after the 1st inning. Cameron Maybin stayed hot with his second homer of the year - he's like a different dude batting lead off.

Angels 3, Rays 2

Starter J.C. Ramirez continues to provide the Angels solid outings.

Every so often I check in to see what his hometown newspaper has to say about Mike Trout.

Oakland Athletics (20-24)

Fresh off taking a series from the Boston Red Sox, the A's took a day off Monday. They begin a two-game set against the Miami Marlins tonight and then it's a trip to Yankees Stadium over the weekend.

Among the other improbable things with the A's this season, they have become a home run hitting machine. 

Seattle Mariners (20-25)

I can't really add much to the optimistic view I attempted to offer Mariners fans over the weekend. After losing three-of-four at home against the White Sox, the Mariners take to the road this week against the Washington Nationals and the Boston Red Sox.

If nothing else, the Mariners woes led to yet another interesting game recap.

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