Friday, August 29, 2014

U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago

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A battle in the American League Central between the Detroit Tigers and the Chicago White Sox will take off at U.S. Cellular Field. The White Sox will turn to right-hander Scott Carroll (5-8) for the start, while the Tigers will hope to get great production from their longtime ace, Justin Verlander (11-11). The Tigers are currently on the outside looking in for first place in the division and will hope to gain some ground in this series against the underachieving White Sox.

Verlander hasn’t pitched like the man who dominated the opposition for many years, but he is still one of the most dangerous pitchers in the sport. In 164.1 innings, he has struck out 124 batters and his control is about the same as it was even when he was winning the American League Cy Young Award. If he finishes with his ERA at 4.82, it will be the second worst total of his career, finishing just .02 behind his 2008 totals. 

Carroll, the 29-year-old from Missouri has not pitched well at all this season. With just 5 wins and an ERA greater than 5.00, the opposition has had their way with him. That has especially been the case during the month of August, as he has gone 1-2 with a 7.61 ERA in 23.2 innings. In 23.2 innings this month, he has allowed 20 earned runs and 5 home runs and has recorded just 9 strikeouts to go with 11 walks. He will hope to turn his recent struggles around in this divisional game. 

Detroit Tigers Betting Trends

Detroit Tigers are 67-58-5 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Detroit Tigers is 0.3

Chicago White Sox Betting Trends

Chicago White Sox are 66-62-3 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Chicago White Sox is -0.6

Injuries to Watch

Detroit Tigers

08/10/14 P Anibal Sanchez Pectoral 15-day DL (8/9)
08/10/14 P Joakim Soria Oblique 15-day DL (8/10)
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

Chicago White Sox

08/18/14 RF Moises Sierra Oblique 15-day DL (8/16)
04/19/14 P Felipe Paulino Shoulder 15-day DL (4/19)
04/04/14 P Nate Jones Hip 60-day DL (4/4)

Josh's Pick: Take Detroit

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