Sunday, September 21, 2014

Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Big right-hander Rick Porcello (15-11), who is 0-2 with a 4.58 ERA this month, will make the start for the Detroit Tigers when they face Jeremy Guthrie (11-11) and the Kansas City Royals on Sunday afternoon.

Rick Porcello pitched well in his start against the Minnesota Twins last Tuesday, but all he could get out of that game was a no decision. He gave up just two runs in eight innings of work in that outing while walking two batters and striking out five. Porcello currently has a 3.19 ERA and he has only given up 16 home runs in 197.2 innings this season.

Royals designated hitter Josh Willingham has nine hits in 24 at-bats against Porcello in his career with three doubles, two home runs and eight RBI. Shortstop Alcides Escobar is just 2-for-29 against him with no walks and six strikeouts.

In his last start, Jeremy Guthrie pitched eight strong innings against the Boston Red Sox at home and picked up the win. He gave up just one unearned run in that game and walked one batter while striking out two. Guthrie has given up 206 hits in 190.1 innings this season and he now has a 4.35 ERA following that win.

Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera is 16-for-47 against Guthrie with a double, three home runs and 12 RBI. Outfielder Rajai Davis has just four hits in 19 at-bats against the right-hander with no walks and five strikeouts.

Detroit Tigers Betting Trends

Detroit Tigers are 81-66-6 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Detroit Tigers is 0.4

Kansas City Royals Betting Trends

Kansas City Royals are 68-76-8 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Kansas City Royals is 0.1

Injuries to Watch

Detroit Tigers

09/20/14 C Alex Avila Head is not expected to be in the starting lineup Saturday vs. Kansas City Royals
09/02/14 P Drew VerHagen Back 60-day DL (7/15)
08/10/14 P Anibal Sanchez Pectoral 15-day DL (8/9)
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

Kansas City Royals

09/20/14 DH Billy Butler Rest is not expected to be in the starting lineup Saturday vs. Detroit Tigers
09/20/14 CF Lorenzo Cain Rest is not expected to be in the starting lineup Saturday vs. Detroit Tigers
09/03/14 2B Christian Colon Finger 15-day DL (9/7)
08/14/14 P Scott Downs Neck 15-day DL (8/3)
03/30/14 P Luke Hochevar Elbow 60-day DL (3/21)

Guy's Pick: Take Detroit

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here

Read more articles by Guy Bruhn