Jered Weaver spent his 32nd birthday on the Angels' charter flight to Missouri.
He had dinner with his wife, parents and Royals starter Jason Vargas, his good friend from Long Beach State.
Weaver will spend Sunday cheering and hoping for a chance to pitch in Game 4 of the ALDS.
He's tabbed to start Monday and would pitch on three days rest for the first time in three years. In order for the Weaver to take the mound at Kauffman Stadium, the Angels must win an elimination game in Game 3 in the ALDS.
"Obviously, we're not in a spot that we want to be in but I think there are teams that have come back and done special things.'" Weaver said. "I'm thinking that we've got, like (Mike Scioscia) was saying, to win three games in a row.
"They've got a tough guy (James Shields) on their side on the mound. Hopefully, his changeup is hanging so we can do some damage, but we've got a good guy (C.J. Wilson) on our side, too."
Weaver pitched well enough to win Game 1 of the ALDS, but the Angels didn't give him much run support, and the Angels lost 3-2 in 11 innings. Weaver lasted seven innings and allowed two earned runs on three hits.
Angels might be down, but the team isn't lacking confidence
He's eager for the opportunity to pitch on three days rest.
"You know, it's not an easy thing to do," Weaver said. "Obviously, you're kind of stuck on a routine on five days, but at the same time, I've had some opportunities to do it. I don't think I did so good in the first one, and kind of threw well in the second one.
"It's definitely an adjustment, but I'm feeling pretty good toward the end of the season and felt good playing catch (Saturday). ... I'm ready to take the ball whenever they want to give it to me. I think the adrenaline will take over the rest of it."
Scioscia is confident that Weaver gives the Angels their best opportunity to win if they get to Monday.
"I've got confidence in Jered on one day's rest," Scioscia said with a smile. "This guy is an incredible competitor. We just need a couple more days so his body recharges enough to go out there. You've got to recharge the body a little bit.
"In talking with (pitching coach) Mike Butcher, there's not much difference in Weave coming back and throwing with four full days as far as when he throws his bullpens and coming back one day earlier on three days."
Weaver hopes he gets that chance.
