Saturday, August 30, 2014

Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Saturday night, Allen Webster (3 – 2, 5.81 ERA) gets the call for the Boston Red Sox as they square off against Jake Odorizzi (9 – 11, 4.23 ERA) and the Tampa Bay Rays.  Webster will make his 7th start as Odorizzi makes his 27th.

Allen Webster took the loss in his last outing after a less than impressive performance.   Webster lasted just 4.1 innings after allowing 6 runs on 8 hits as he walked 2 and struck out 5.  Despite his record, Webster has allowed 4 or more runs in 4 of his 6 starts.   Prior to getting the call to Boston, Webster went 4 – 4 with a 3.10 ERA in 20 starts and a relief appearance at Triple-A Pawtucket.    Last season, Webster went 1 – 2 with an 8.60 ERA in 7 starts and a relief appearance.

Webster made his season debut against the Rays and he came away with a win after allowing 2 runs and 3 hits in 5.1 innings.

Jake Odorizzi was lit up in his last start and it led to his 2nd straight loss.  In just 4 innings, Odorizzi surrendered 8 runs on 11 hits (including 4 homers).  He walked a batter and struck out 3.  The 8 runs, 11 hits and 4 home runs were all season-highs for Odorizzi.  But despite this bad start, Odorizzi has pitched well in recent weeks and is 6 -4 in his last 10 outings.  In 2013, Odorizzi started 4 games and made 3 relief appearances en route to a 0-1-1 record and an ERA of 3.94. 

Last season, Odorizzi pitched to a no-decision in his only start against the Red Sox.  This season, he is 0 – 1 in 2 starts against Boston.       

Boston Red Sox Betting Trends

Boston Red Sox are 56-73-4 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Boston Red Sox is -0.5

Tampa Bay Rays Betting Trends

Tampa Bay Rays are 59-67-7 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Tampa Bay Rays is 0.1

Injuries to Watch

Boston Red Sox

08/25/14 SS Xander Bogaerts Concussion 7-day DL (8/23)
08/01/14 RF Shane Victorino Back 15-day DL (7/30)
05/31/14 1B Ryan Lavarnway Wrist 60-day DL (5/30)

Tampa Bay Rays

06/24/14 LF Jerry Sands Wrist 60-day DL (6/22), out for season
06/19/14 LF David DeJesus Hand 15-day DL (6/19)
04/08/14 P Matt Moore Elbow 60-day DL (4/8), out for season
03/30/14 2B Tim Beckham Knee 60-day DL (3/30)

Tony's Pick: Take Tampa Bay

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