Sunday, August 24, 2014

Progressive Field in Cleveland

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Sunday afternoon, the Houston Astros will send Brett Oberholtzer (4 - 8, 4.01 ERA) to the hill as they take on the Cleveland Indians and Trevor Bauer (4 - 7, 4.41 ERA). It will be the 19^th start for Oberholtzer and the 20^th for Bauer.

Brett Oberholtzer missed getting the decision in his last start. He allowed 4 runs and 7 hits (including a home run) in a 5.1 inning effort. Oberholtzer walked a batter and struck out 7. The 4 runs allowed were the most for Oberholtzer since early July. In 8 of his last 10 starts, he has allowed 2 or fewer runs but he is only 3 - 2 in his last 10 outings. In 2013, Oberholtzer was 4 - 5 with a 2.76 ERA in 10 starts and 3 relief appearances.

Oberholtzer was 0 - 1 with a 2.25 ERA in a start and a relief appearance against the Tribe during his rookie season. Cleveland is batting just .214 against Oberholtzer with 6 hits, a homer and 2 RBIs in 28 at-bats.

Trevor Bauer was lit up in his last outing but he escaped with his 2^nd straight no-decision. Bauer surrendered 5 runs on 4 hits (including a home run) in 4.2 innings his last time out. He walked 2 batters and struck out 4. 2014 has been up and down for the young righty and he is just 2 - 3 in his last 10 starts. Last season, Bauer started just 4 games and posted a record of 1 - 2 with a 5.29 ERA.

Bauer has never faced the Astros and will need to settle down and focus on his pitches if he wants to pick up his 1^st win since mid-July.

Houston Astros Betting Trends

Houston Astros are 62-62-3 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Houston Astros is -0.7

Cleveland Indians Betting Trends

Cleveland Indians are 61-60-4 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Cleveland Indians is 0.2

Injuries to Watch

Houston Astros

07/29/14 P Josh Zeid Foot 15-day DL (7/25), out for season
07/23/14 RF George Springer Knee 15-day DL (7/20)
07/08/14 RF Alex Presley Oblique 15-day DL (7/7)
06/21/14 P Jose Cisnero Elbow 60-day DL (6/20)
04/26/14 P Matt Albers Shoulder 60-day DL (4/22)
03/31/14 P Alex White Elbow 15-day DL (3/21)
03/31/14 P Jesse Crain Bicep 60-day DL (3/21)

Cleveland Indians

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 Houston

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