Heaney handcuffs the A’s in 3-1 victory

One thing seems clear: the remainder of the 2017 season will continue to be a bit of a roller coaster ride as the Los Angeles Angels chase a wild card berth.

They are up and down, but Monday they were up, defeating the Oakland Athletics 3-1, which bounced them back into second place alone in the American League West at 67-65. It also allowed them to move with one game of the second AL wild card spot, behind the Minnesota Twins.

The Angels played without Mike Trout, who was suffering from a stiff neck after crashing into the outfield wall on Sunday while chasing a deep fly ball. But with Andrew Heaney dominating on the mound, they didn’t need him.

Heaney (1-0) made it through six innings giving up three hits and one run at the Big A. He struck out 10 batters and walked just three.

“To have a night like tonight definitely feels good to kind of get things rolling a little bit,” he said. “For me to be able to produce and help the team win is important.”

The offense was just enough, with Martin Maldonado leading the way with three hits and two runs scored. Kole Calhoun and Kaleb Cowart each knocked in a run; the third Halo score was unearned on a throwing error.

Resting Trump may have been at least in part to give him a chance to reset himself. He’s gone 0-for-17 over the last few games, the second-longest hitless streak of his career.

Hoping to continue to bounce back after losing three of four to the Houston Astros, the Angels will send Troy Scribner (2-1) to the mound on Tuesday.