Friday, April 4, 1:08 PM on MAS2, FSDT

Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan

Baltimore - (R) Gonzalez, M (0-0) vs. Detroit - (R) Porcello, R (0-0)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

The Orioles and Tigers will rely on the success of their backend starters as they fight for playoff berths in their respective divisions and two of those late rotation stars will be on display Friday. Baltimore sends 29-year-old Miguel Gonzalez to the hill as Detroit counters with right-hander Rick Porcello at Comerica Park.

Gonzalez won double digit games for the first time in his career in 2013 as he finished with an 11-8 record in 28 games started. In two full-seasons in the big leagues Gonzalez has compiled a 20-12 record with a commendable 3.58 ERA. The right-hander is poised for a good season after a solid Spring in which he went 2-0 with a 3.54 ERA in 5 starts. Gonzalez made one appearance in 2013 against Detroit, allowing 5 runs and 7 hits over 6.0 IP. While Gonzalez received a no-decision the Orioles did end up winning the game 7-5. Gonzalez has allowed 4 home runs over 48 Detroit AB's including one to Miguel Cabrera who has batted .333 against him.

Rick Porcello is only 25 but already enters his 6th MLB year as a full-time starter. Porcello has won double-digit games in each of his big league seasons including a 13-8 record a year ago. Porcello has traditionally posted considerably high ERA's over his career with a low of 3.92 in his rookie year. Porcello had moderate struggles this Spring posting an ERA of 7.85 in 5 starts. He was 0-2 a year ago vs Baltimore allowing 3 runs and 6 runs in his starts. The Orioles have experience against Porcello with 8 players seeing double digit AB's led by Nick Markakis' 8-19 (.421) and J.J. Hardy's 6-15 (.400).

Baltimore Betting Trends

Baltimore is 0-1-0  against the Over/Under

Run differential for Baltimore is +1.0

Detroit Betting Trends

Detroit is 0-0-1 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Detroit is +1.0

Injuries to Watch

Baltimore 

03/31/14 LF Francisco Peguero Wrist 15-day DL (3/21)
03/31/14 3B Michael Almanzar Arm 15-day DL (3/23)
03/28/14 3B Manny Machado Knee 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 LF Nolan Reimold Neck 15-day DL (3/26)
03/28/14 P Troy Patton Suspension out indefinitely

Detroit 

03/28/14 LF Andy Dirks Back 15-day DL (3/29)
03/28/14 P Bruce Rondon Elbow 60-day DL (3/29), out for season
03/27/14 SS Jose Iglesias Stress Fracture 60-day DL (3/29)
03/27/14 P Octavio Dotel Elbow 60-day DL (4/20)

Josh's Pick: Take Detroit

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