Friday, September 26, 2014

Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Friday night, Ervin Santana (14 – 10, 3.88 ERA) takes the hill for the Atlanta Braves as they take on Jerome Williams (6 – 7, 4.71 ERA) and the Philadelphia Phillies.  Santana will be making his 31st start as Williams makes his 11th start and 37th appearance.

Ervin Santana was roughed up his last time out en route to his 3rd straight loss.  Santana lasted just 5 innings after giving up 5 runs on 6 hits (including a home run).  He walked 2 batters and struck out 4. Santana has allowed 13 runs and 17 hits in his last 3 starts, with 5 or more runs in 2 of those outings.  The losing streak has dropped Santana’s record in his last 10 starts to 4 - 4. He was 9 – 10 with a 3.24 ERA in 32 starts for the Kansas City Royals in 2013.

Santana didn’t face the Phillies last season but he has seen them 5 times this season.  He is 3 - 1 in those 5 encounters.

Jerome Williams was stellar his last time out as he broke a 2 game losing streak with a win.  Williams hurled 7 innings of shutout ball and allowed 4 hits and a walk while striking out 3.  Williams has looked pretty good for the Phillies since coming over from the Texas Rangers in August and is 4 - 2 in his 8 starts for Philadelphia.  Overall, he is 5 -3 in his last 10 starts.  Last season, Williams went 9 – 10 with a 4.57 ERA in 25 starts and 12 relief appearances for the Los Angeles Angels.

Williams didn’t pitch against the Braves in 2013 and he has faced them just once this season. While a member of the Texas Rangers, he pitched an inning of relief against Atlanta back in last June.  He allowed a hit and struck out a batter.

Atlanta Braves Betting Trends

Atlanta Braves are 62-83-13 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Atlanta Braves is -0.1

Philadelphia Phillies Betting Trends

Philadelphia Phillies are 80-67-11 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Philadelphia Phillies is -0.4

Injuries to Watch

Atlanta Braves

09/25/14 3B Chris Johnson Back "?" Thursday vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
09/25/14 C Evan Gattis Intestinal is upgraded to probable Thursday vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
09/24/14 P Mike Minor Shoulder out for season
07/29/14 P Shae Simmons Shoulder 15-day DL (7/29)
06/20/14 P Gavin Floyd Elbow 60-day DL (6/20), out for season
06/20/14 P Pedro Beato Elbow 15-day DL (6/19)
03/29/14 P Brandon Beachy Elbow 60-day DL (3/21), out for season
03/29/14 P Cory Gearrin Elbow 60-day DL (3/26)
03/28/14 P Kris Medlen Elbow 60-day DL (3/21), out for season
03/28/14 P Jonny Venters Elbow 60-day DL (3/21); out for season

Philadelphia Phillies

09/11/14 SS Jimmy Rollins Hamstring likely out for season
09/05/14 P Mario Hollands Shoulder 60-day DL (9/4)
08/01/14 P Cliff Lee Elbow 15-day DL (7/31), out for season
06/20/14 3B Reid Brignac Ankle 15-day DL (6/20)

Josh's Pick: Take Atlanta

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