Los Angeles Angels

Angels starter Jerome Williams was excellent over eight strong innings for a victory over the Mariners Tuesday night.

Williams allowed just six hits over eight shutout innings in the win to improve to 3-1 in his fourth start. He's picked up wins in two of his last three outings and hasn't given up more than two runs in any of those starts.

On Tuesday, Williams walked two and struck out six over 107 pitches to lower his ERA to 2.53 for the Angels. His next scheduled start comes Sunday at Kansas City.

Angels outfielder Mike Trout hit for the cycle Tuesday night against the Mariners. Trout also happened to drive in five runs.

The No. 2 batter for L.A. went 4 for 5 as he tripled home a run in the fourth. He drove in three runs in the sixth with a double to left. Trout added a solo homer, his ninth, in the eighth inning. He scored twice and is now batting .293.

Trout had gone 1 for 12 in his previous four games with six strikeouts but raised his average to .293 in one game from .278.

Angels shortstop and leadoff hitter Erick Aybar left Tuesday's game against the Mariners due to right knee soreness, MLB.com reports. Aybar is day to day.

He was 2 for 3 with two doubles before leaving. Aybar drove in Alberto Callaspo with a fourth-inning double to deep center. He scored twice and is batting .258.

The 29-year-old has driven in five runs in his last three games so this is an unfortunate time to get injured.

Angels starter Joe Blanton could be the odd pitcher out of the rotation when Jered Weaver is able to return from the disabled list, the Los Angeles Times speculates Tuesday. 

Weaver is making what could be his last extended spring training appearance Wednesday on the same day that Blanton is scheduled to start next. 

Blanton is 0-7 on the year with an ugly 6.62 ERA after nine starts. His WHIP is 1.97 and he's struck out 35 over 50 1/3 innings. 

Angels starter Tommy Hanson will "most likely" miss his start scheduled for Saturday in Kansas City, the Los Angeles Times reports Tuesday. 

Hanson has been away from the team since early May following the death of his step brother. The Angels were hoping to get him back Saturday, but would like him to get some work at extended spring training first.