BALTIMORE -- There's a bit of an ironic twist to outfielder Peter Bourjos' making his first Major League appearance in Baltimore this week. After all, it's got to be difficult to play against the team that employs your father.

Bourjos took over as the Angels' center fielder before Tuesday's 6-3 loss to the Orioles, with Torii Hunter shifting to right. Bobby Abreu went to left as the speedy and rangy Bourjos moved into center in his debut against the team his father scouts with.

Chris Bourjos is a long-time scout, who began working with the Orioles this season. He spent nearly 20 years with the Blue Jays before moving to the Brewers and then joining the Orioles this year. He's based in Arizona.

"When I told him I got called up and we're playing the Orioles, he said, 'Well, that's unbelievable," said Bourjos. "It was odd because I think growing up [I always thought] about playing against a team my dad was looking for -- and it happens right off the bat."

Bourjos went 0-for-4 and made a couple of nice catches in center field. His father came to Baltimore for the game and when asked who the elder Bourjos rooted for, Peter just laughed.

"It's good that he can be here for that -- and my mom, too," Bourjos said.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia made it clear before Tuesday night's game and again before Wednesday's contest that Bourjos is going to be the regular center fielder, which pushes Hunter to right.

Hunter has played 1,502 games in center field and only 27 in left or right field, but said he wasn't worried about the move.

Kazmir eyes weekend return to mound

BALTIMORE -- Left-hander Scott Kazmir is getting closer to returning from the disabled list, where he's been since July 18, retroactive to July 11, with left shoulder fatigue.

Kazmir was scheduled to throw in the bullpen Wednesday after throwing 61 pitches in a simulated game effort on Tuesday. He likes how he's feeling and, barring a setback, is hopeful of starting on Saturday in Detroit.

The Angels don't have a starter officially listed for that game yet.

"Everything feels great, and I'm ready to go," Kazmir said.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia was a little more cautious about whether or not Kazmir would start Saturday, but said there's no question he's getting better.

"We'll continue to evaluate," Scioscia said. "It's definitely a huge step forward for him. He came out, did well. We'll see how it moves forward this week."

Healthy Mathis resumes catching duties

BALTIMORE -- Catcher Jeff Mathis returned to the lineup for Wednesday's game after missing five straight games after recovering from some general soreness he had after colliding with Chris Davis of the Rangers the Sunday before last.

Mathis batted eighth on Wednesday in the second game of the Angels' three-game series in Baltimore.

"[I'm] feeling a lot better," Mathis said. "I'm just happy to be back in the lineup [and] feel a lot better."

Mathis missed 55 games earlier this season with a fractured right wrist.