Granted it was against the worst pitching staff in the American League, but the Angels saw signs in the past few games that their offense -- the most disappointing part of the team for nearly a month -- was stirring to life.

It didn't begin Monday night against Minnesota. It began two-and-a-half weeks ago, when Torii Hunter, frustrated by his own struggles in New York, showed up early for extra batting practice. Since then, his bat has been leading the Angels' rise.

Lately, it has spread to Howie Kendrick (7-for-8) and Kendrys Morales (8-for-16). Who knows, maybe Albert Pujols will soon follow suit. He showed up for batting practice completely clean-shaven, probably to try to change his luck.

"It's one of those things that becomes contagious," Kendrick said.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia traces this modest surge to Hunter's extra work after that dispiriting series at Yankee Stadium, where he went 0-for-7 with six strikeouts.

"We flew back and he was on a mission," Scioscia said. "Right when we got back from that series, he was in here at one o'clock. He felt he had found it, he knew what his approach was going to be and, ever since then, I think you're seeing a comfort level in the batter's box."

Here are lineups for Thursday night's game against the Toronto Blue Jays:

Toronto

Kelly Johnson 2B
Yunel Escobar SS
Jose Bautista RF
Adam Lind 1B
Edwin Encarnacion
Eric Thames LF
Brett Lawrie 3B
Coby Rasmus CF
J.P. Arencibia

Angels

Mike Trout CF
Vernon Wells LF
Albert Pujols 1B
Kendrys Morales DH
Torii Hunter RF
Howie Kendrick 2B
Mark Trumbo 3B
Erick Aybar SS
Bobby Wilson C