Saturday, August 23, 2014

Target Field in Minneapolis

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Detroit Tigers veteran Justin Verlander (10-11) will try to snap his current two-game losing streak on Saturday afternoon when he faces rookie Yohan Pino (1-5) and the Minnesota Twins.

Justin Verlander last made a start on August 11 when he took the loss against the Pittsburgh Pirates on the road. He could only make it through one innings in that start and gave up five runs on four base hits while walking two and striking out three. Verlander now has a 4.76 ERA on the year, which is his worst ERA since was back in 2008.

Verlander has never liked facing Twins first baseman Joe Mauer, who is 23-for-62 against him in his career with four doubles, three home runs and nine RBI. Trevor Plouffe is just 4-for-28 against him with a double and eight strikeouts.

Yohan Pino lost his second game in a row last week when he was beaten by the Houston Astros on the road. He gave up a season-high seven earned runs in 4.1 innings in that game while walking one and striking out seven. His ERA flew up to 5.37 with that loss and he has given up 60 hits in 55.1 innings of work.

The Tigers will be going up against Pino for the first time on Saturday afternoon. Right-handed hitters are batting .290 against him this season with a .771 OPS.

Detroit Tigers Betting Trends

Detroit Tigers are 63-56-5 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Detroit Tigers is 0.3

Minnesota Twins Betting Trends

Minnesota Twins are 62-58-5 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Minnesota Twins is -0.4

Injuries to Watch

Detroit Tigers

08/21/14 P Justin Verlander Shoulder questionable
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

Minnesota Twins

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

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