Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg

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On Tuesday night, Max Scherzer (14-4), who has a 1.17 ERA through three starts this month, will take the mound for the Detroit Tigers when they face Chris Archer (8-6) and the Tampa Bay Rays.

Max Scherzer had a fantastic start against the Pittsburgh Pirates last Thursday and was able to pick up his league-leading 14th win. He pitched eight shutout innings in that outing and gave up just three hits while striking out a season-high 14 batters and walking two. Scherzer has struck out 196 batters in 169 innings this season and now has a 2.98 ERA.

Rays shortstop Yunel Escobar has 11 hits in 30 at-bats against Scherzer in his career with three doubles, a home run and three RBI. Matthew Joyce is just 2-for-17 against him with three walks and five strikeouts.

Right-hander Chris Archer pitched seven strong innings against the Texas Rangers on the road last week and picked up the win. He allowed just one run on four base hits in that start while walking two batters and striking out 12. He currently has a 3.24 ERA and he has only given up 135 strikeouts in 144.2 innings of work.

Tigers catcher Alex Avila is 1-for-2 against Archer in his career with two walks and a solo home run. Second baseman Ian Kinsler has just one hit in 10 at-bats against him with no walks and four strikeouts.

Detroit Tigers Betting Trends

Detroit Tigers are 62-55-5 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Detroit Tigers is 0.3

Tampa Bay Rays Betting Trends

Tampa Bay Rays are 56-61-7 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Tampa Bay Rays is 0.2

Injuries to Watch

Detroit Tigers

08/18/14 CF Rajai Davis Thumb questionable
08/12/14 P Justin Verlander Shoulder out indefinitely
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

Tampa Bay Rays

07/18/14 C Ryan Hanigan Oblique 15-day DL (7/9)
06/24/14 LF Jerry Sands Wrist 15-day DL (6/22), out for season
06/19/14 LF David DeJesus Hand 15-day DL (6/19)
06/01/14 RF Wil Myers Wrist 60-day DL (5/31)
04/08/14 P Matt Moore Elbow 60-day DL (4/8), out for season
03/30/14 2B Tim Beckham Knee 60-day DL (3/30)

Guy's Pick: Take Detroit

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