Tuesday, August 12, 2014, 7:05 PM on FSDT, ROOT

PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Detroit Tigers - Ray, R (1-1) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates - Volquez, E (9-7)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Tuesday night, Robbie Ray (1-1, 4.70 ERA) is expected to take the mound for the Detroit Tigers as they face Edinson Volquez (9 – 7, 3.70 ERA) and the Pittsburgh Pirates. It will be the 4th start and 5th appearance for Ray and the 23rd start and the 24th appearance for Volquez. 

Robbie Ray is expected to get the start in place of Rick Porcello after Porcello had to make a relief appearance in an extra innings game on Sunday.  The injuries to the Detroit starting lineup had almost guaranteed that Ray would return from the Minors.  In his last start in May, Ray was lit up for 7 runs and 9 hits (including a home run) in just 3.1 innings of work.  He wasn’t much better when he got sent back to Triple-A Toledo and it will be interesting to see how he looks in this one. 

Ray has never faced the Pirates but he should be able to learn a great deal from the scouting report.   

Edinson Volquez turned in a solid performance in his last outing and it earned him the victory.  Volquez threw 7 shutout innings and allowed just a hit and 3 walks while striking out 7.  Volquez picked up a win in similar fashion over a month ago but in the 5 starts between the 2 shutouts, Volquez had surrendered over 4 runs three times.  Last season, Volquez was 9 – 12 with a 5.71 ERA in 32 starts and a relief appearance for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres.

In 2013, Volquez didn’t face the Tigers and he has only faced 6 of their hitters before.  Only Ian Kinsler (1 for 3) and Rajai Davis (1 for 3) have hits against Volquez.   

Detroit Tigers Betting Trends

Detroit Tigers are 58-52-5 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Detroit Tigers is 0.4

Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Trends

Pittsburgh Pirates are 54-56-7 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Pittsburgh Pirates is 0.1

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

Pittsburgh Pirates

08/10/14 2B Neil Walker Back questionable
08/04/14 CF Andrew McCutchen Ribs out indefinitely
07/08/14 P Gerrit Cole Side 15-day DL (7/5)
07/06/14 SS Clint Barmes Groin 15-day DL (6/30)

Josh's Pick: Take Detroit

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