Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Progressive Field in Cleveland

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Progressive Field in Cleveland will be the site of a showdown between 2 teams from the American League Central division. The Detroit Tigers will travel to Ohio to take on the Cleveland Indians in a game that has serious postseason implications. The Tigers will send their longtime ace, Justin Verlander (12-11) to the mound to take on Danny Salazar (5-6).

Even though Verlander is not pitching like he did when he won the AL Cy Young and Most Valuable Player awards in 2011, he is still a man that can do enough to get his team to a victory every 5 days. Verlander has won his last 2 starts, allowing 5 earned runs in 12.2 innings with 14 strikeouts and 5 walks. The one thing about Verlander that is often forgotten about is the fact that he usually pitches deep into games, saving the bullpen, and getting tons of decisions. With 23 decisions in 27 starts this season, it can be expected that he will pitch deep into the game against Cleveland.

Salazar will be making his 16^th start of the season and will look to win his second straight start. In his last outing, he threw 5 shutout innings against Kansas City Royals. Since the All Star Break, he has been exceptional for the Indians, going 4-2 with a 2.84 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and is averaging more than 8 strikeouts per 9 innings. He will be tested by the talented Tigers lineup featuring Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez, and Ian Kinsler.

Detroit Tigers Betting Trends

Detroit Tigers are 70-60-6 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Detroit Tigers is 0.2

Cleveland Indians Betting Trends

Cleveland Indians are 62-68-4 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Cleveland Indians is 0.2

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

Cleveland Indians

08/29/14 C Chris Gimenez Personal placed on paternity list
08/19/14 LF Ryan Raburn Wrist 15-day DL (8/18)
08/10/14 RF David Murphy Side 15-day DL (8/10)
08/10/14 1B Nick Swisher Knee 15-day DL (8/10); out for season
06/12/14 1B Jason Giambi Knee 60-day DL (6/12)

Josh's Pick: Take Detroit

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