The week ahead for the Angels

MONDAY: ORIOLES AT BALTIMORE

TUESDAY THROUGH THURSDAY: INDIANS AT CLEVELAND

FRIDAY THROUGH AUG. 23: BLUE JAYS AT TORONTO

Consider this the lull before the storm: three series against three teams with losing records. Once this stretch is over, though, the Angels will close the season by playing 26 of their last 40 games against teams that entered Saturday a combined 74 games above .500. But although the Angels’ three opponents this week are already looking ahead to next season -- the Indians got rid of their best pitcher at the trade deadline, and the Blue Jays tried mightily to do the same with Roy Halladay -- Manager Mike Scioscia says he’s not looking past any teams. “The fine line between a team that’s playing well or a team that’s struggling can turn on a dime,” he said. “And it can turn during a game. Any team can go out there and put up runs and shut you down.” Just don’t count on that happening often this week. The Angels have the best road record in the American League.

-- Kevin Baxter