Thursday, August 21, 2014

Target Field in Minneapolis

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Thursday afternoon, Corey Kluber (13 – 6, 2.41 ERA) gets the call for the Cleveland Indians as they face Phil Hughes (13 – 8, 3.76 ERA) and the Minnesota Twins.  It will be the 27th start for Kluber and the 26th for Hughes.

Corey Kluber didn’t get the decision in his last start even though he turned in a fine performance.  Kluber allowed just a run on 5 hits in 7.2 innings.  He walked 2 and struck out 10. It’s been a month and a half since Kluber has lost a game.  In his last 10 starts, Kluber is an impressive 7 – 1.  Last season, Kluber posted a record of 11 – 5 with a 3.85 ERA in 24 starts and 2 relief appearances. 

In 2013, Kluber was 2 – 1 with a 4.98 ERA in 4 starts against the Twins.  Minnesota is batting .272 against the young righty with 22 hits, 5 homers and 11 RBIs in 81 at-bats.

Phil Hughes notched his 3rd straight win in his last outing.  In the victory, Hughes surrendered just a run on 7 hits in 7.1 innings of work. He struck out 6 without issuing a single walk.  After a 3 game losing streak, Hughes has regained his form and is 5 - 5 in his last 10 outings.  Hughes looks completely different from the pitcher that went 4 – 14 with a 5.19 ERA in 29 starts and a relief appearance for the New York Yankees in 2013. 

Last season, Hughes didn’t face the Tribe but he knows the lineup well.  Hughes has held the Indians to a .222 average with 12 hits, 2 home runs and 2 RBIs in 54 at-bats.         

Cleveland Indians Betting Trends

Cleveland Indians are 60-59-4 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Cleveland Indians is 0.1

Minnesota Twins Betting Trends

Minnesota Twins are 61-57-5 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Minnesota Twins is -0.3

Injuries to Watch

Cleveland Indians

08/10/14 RF David Murphy Side 15-day DL (8/10)
08/10/14 1B Nick Swisher Knee 15-day DL (8/10)
06/12/14 1B Jason Giambi Knee 60-day DL (6/12)

Minnesota Twins

05/03/14 P Mike Pelfrey Groin 60-day DL (5/1)

Josh's Pick: Take Minnesota

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