It was a whirlwind of a weekend for the Angels, who saw general manager Perry Minasian dismissed shortly before Friday’s series opener against the Athletics, with longtime former Cardinals executive John Mozeliak brought in as a consultant/interim GM. The Angels dropped the first game of the series, but bounced back to take the next two, including lefty Sam Aldegheri throwing five strong innings, Josh Lowe hitting his first career grand slam and Samy Natera Jr. recording the final four outs to get his first career save in a 4-1 win on Sunday at Angel Stadium. Manager Kurt Suzuki indicated he’s been proud of the way his club has remained focused despite the change in organizational leadership. “Obviously, it was a shock to everybody, no mystery, but like we talked about in the clubhouse, we’re professionals here,” Suzuki said. “We have to prepare and do a job, and that’s what we’re doing.” These were also important showings for Aldegheri, Lowe and Natera personally. Aldegheri is trying to maintain his role in the rotation. Lowe is doing his best to make an impression in the outfield after being called up from Triple-A Salt Lake on Wednesday. Natera is attempting to make his mark in the bullpen. In somewhat of a surprising move, Lowe was kept on the roster when Jose Siri was reinstated from the paternity list, as youngster Christian Moore was optioned to Triple-A instead. Aldegheri, who recently graduated from prospect status, was coming off two rough outings, as he gave up six runs over three innings against the D-backs on June 17 before surrendering five runs over 4 2/3 frames against the Orioles on Monday. But he bounced back with five solid innings against the A’s, allowing one run on five hits and a walk with four strikeouts. “I was working on some stuff on my mechanics during the last week,” Aldegheri said. “And today I need a start to redeem myself after the last two, and I did it.”
