Boston Red Sox at Oakland Athletics Free MLB Picks & Odds
by Guy Bruhn - 6/21/2014
Sunday, June 22, 2014, 2:05 PM on NESN, CSCA
O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California
Boston Red Sox - Lester, J (8-7) vs. Oakland Athletics - Milone, T (5-3)
For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here
On Sunday afternoon, veteran left-hander Jon Lester will try to pick up his ninth win of the season when the Boston Red Sox face Tommy Milone and the Oakland Athletics.
Jon Lester won his third game in a row on Tuesday against the Minnesota Twins to improve his record to 8-7 on the year. He went 6.1 innings in that game and gave up just one run on four hits while striking out six and walking one. In 98.1 innings this season, Lester has been able to strike out 105 batters while only walking 25.
A's infielder Alberto Callaspo has just two hits in his 13 at-bats versus Lester with two walks and four strikeouts. Outfielder Coco Crisp also has just two hits in 13 at-bats against him with five strikeouts.
Tommy Milone won his second consecutive start last Tuesday against the Texas Rangers at home. He pitched 5.2 innings in that game and allowed three earned runs on five hits while striking out three and walking one. Milone has a 3.56 ERA through 13 starts this year, but he has only been able to notch 49 strikeouts in 78.1 innings of work.
One player on the Red Sox that Milone does not like facing is designated hitter David Ortiz, who is 3-for-4 against him with three solo home runs. Veteran Mike Napoli has just one hit in nine at-bats against Milone with four strikeouts.
Boston Red Sox Betting Trends
Boston Red Sox are 26-44-3 against the Over/Under
Run Differential for Boston Red Sox is -0.2
Oakland Athletics Betting Trends
Oakland Athletics are 36-33-4 against the Over/Under
Run differential for Oakland Athletics is 1.8
Injuries to Watch
Boston Red Sox
06/02/14 1B Mike Carp Foot 15-day DL (6/1)
05/31/14 1B Ryan Lavarnway Wrist 60-day DL (5/30)
05/29/14 P Clay Buchholz Knee 15-day DL (5/27)
05/24/14 RF Shane Victorino Hamstring 15-day DL (5/24)
05/21/14 P Felix Doubront Shoulder 15-day DL (5/20)
05/17/14 3B Will Middlebrooks Finger 15-day DL (5/16)
Oakland Athletics
06/17/14 P Drew Pomeranz Hand 15-day DL (6/16)
06/03/14 RF Josh Reddick Knee 15-day DL (6/1)
04/04/14 SS Jake Elmore Quad 60-day DL (3/28)
03/30/14 P A.J. Griffin Elbow 60-day DL (3/21)
03/30/14 P Fernando Rodriguez Elbow 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 P Eric O'Flaherty Elbow 60-day DL (2/17)
03/28/14 P Jarrod Parker Elbow 60-day DL (3/20), out for season
Guy's Pick: Take Boston
Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here
Read more articles by Guy Bruhn
Get all of Today's Free MLB Picks
Get all of Today's Expert MLB Picks