At Network Associates Coliseum

Day Time TV Starters

Tonight 10: 05 54, 50 Scott Erickson (7-8, 5.52 ERA) vs. Kevin Appier (9-9, 4.87)

Tomorrow 10: 05 HTS Ricky Bones (0-2, 5.86) vs. Tim Hudson (5-1, 2.42)

Wednesday 4: 05 HTS Jason Johnson (2-5, 5.58) vs. Jimmy Haynes (7-9, 5.12)

Radio: All games on WBAL (1090 AM) and WTOP (1500 AM)

Athletics update

The A's trail Toronto by just 3 1/2 games in the wild-card chase. They were busy before the waiver deadline, appearing to concede the playoffs by trading starter Kenny Rogers and closer Billy Taylor, but adding three pitchers -- including Appier -- and infielder Randy Velarde. The A's aren't conceding a thing, they're just changing their look and pushing forward. They've won four of six from the Orioles this season, including two of three at home. They've beaten Erickson twice. He lasted just 2 2/3 innings in Oakland on May 30, allowing seven runs and eight hits. Mike Oquist shut out the Orioles for 5 2/3 innings in an April 24 start at Camden Yards, but he was bumped from the series because of Appier's addition. None of the Orioles have faced Hudson. Doug Jones will do most of the closing for Oakland since Taylor was traded. That bodes well for Cal Ripken, who's 11-for-24 with two homers against him. Oakland first baseman Jason Giambi is coming off a 4-for-4 game with a three-run homer in yesterday's 10-6 victory, which completed a three-game sweep of Tampa Bay. (Through yesterday's game)