The former president denied he had "recalibrated" his campaign to challenge Ms Harris instead of Mr Biden, and he appeared to prickle when asked about the audience Ms Harris draws at rallies.

Cold fear prickled the back of her neck.

The sun rose higher and prickled his skin.

Shame prickles along my skin like goose bumps.

And yet reminders of a rather weighty August 1 trade deadline have prickled through Angel Stadium across this weekend series.