Friday, August 1, 2014, 7:08 PM on ROOT, FSDT

Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan

Colorado Rockies - Morales, F (5-5) vs. Detroit Tigers - Verlander, J (9-9)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Friday night, the Colorado Rockies will take the field behind Franklin Morales (5 - 5, 5.18 ERA) as they face the Detroit Tigers and Justin Verlander (9 - 9, 4.79 ERA). It will be the 16^th start and 25^th appearance for Morales and the 23^rd start for Verlander.

Franklin Morales didn't factor into the decision after a relatively short outing. He gave up 2 runs on 6 hits in 4 innings of work. Morales' control was an issue as he walked 5 and struck out just 3 while throwing 99 pitches. The 5 walks were a season-high for the veteran lefty. Last season, Morales started just 1 game and appeared in another 19 games for the Boston Red Sox as he compiled a record of 2 - 2 with a 4.62 ERA.

In 2013, Morales pitched just 3.1 innings of relief in 2 games against the Tigers. He gave up 4 runs and 5 hits (including a home run) in those 2 games. Detroit is batting .423 against Morales with 11 hits and an RBI in 26 at-bats.

Justin Verlander took the loss in his last start after surrendering 3 runs and 6 hits (including a homer) in 7 innings of work. He walked 3 and struck out 4. Verlander is 3 - 2 in his last 5 starts but he isn't looking like the pitcher the Detroit faithful are used to seeing. He is giving up more runs as he strikes out fewer batters than he did last season. In 2013, Verlander was 13 - 12 with a 3.46 ERA in 34 starts.

Last season, Verlander didn't face the Rockies but he has seen many of the Colorado hitters before. Justin Morneau is batting .245 against Verlander with 2 homers and 5 RBIs.

Colorado Rockies Betting Trends

Colorado Rockies are 51-45-10 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Colorado Rockies is -0.5

Detroit Tigers Betting Trends

Detroit Tigers are 53-45-5 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Detroit Tigers is 0.3

Injuries to Watch

Colorado Rockies

07/29/14 CF Drew Stubbs Foot questionable
07/22/14 SS Troy Tulowitzki Thigh 15-day DL (7/20)
07/08/14 P Jhoulys Chacin Rotator Cuff 60-day DL (6/29), out for season
06/24/14 P Christian Bergman Thumb 60-day DL (6/20)
06/10/14 RF Michael Cuddyer Shoulder 15-day DL (6/6)
06/05/14 P Jordan Lyles Hand 60-day DL (6/4)
05/01/14 P Tyler Chatwood Elbow 60-day DL (4/30)

Detroit Tigers

07/29/14 3B Nick Castellanos Finger questionable
07/29/14 SS Eugenio Suarez Back left last game, "?" Wednesday vs. Chicago White Sox
07/07/14 P Pat McCoy Hamstring 15-day DL (7/6)
06/25/14 P Luke Putkonen Elbow 60-day DL (4/19)
05/02/14 P Joel Hanrahan Elbow 60-day DL (5/2)
03/28/14 LF Andy Dirks Back 60-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); out for season

Tony's Pick: Take Detroit

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