Thursday, May 8, 1:08 PM on CSNH, FSDT

Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan

Houston Astros - Keuchel, D (2-2) vs. Detroit Tigers - Smyly, D (2-1)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Thursday afternoon, the Houston Astros will send Dallas Keuchel to the hill to face the Detroit Tigers and Drew Smyly. Keuchel will make his 7th start of the year as Smyly makes his 4th start and 6th appearance.

Dallas Keuchel’s record fell to 2 – 2 and his ERA rose to 3.96 after taking the loss his last time out. In that outing, Keuchel allowed 4 runs on 4 hits in 6 innings with 3 walks and 3 strikeouts. It was the fewest number of strikeouts this season for Keuchel, who is averaging 8.17 strikeouts per 9 innings. In 2013, Keuchel went 6 - 10 with a 5.15 ERA in 22 starts and 9 relief appearances.

Last season, Keuchel was 0 – 1 with a 7.20 ERA in a start and a relief appearance against the Tigers. Detroit’s Ian Kinsler is a .333 hitter against Keuchel with a homer and 2 RBIs in 15 at-bats.  

Drew Smyly improved his record to 2- 1 and lowered his ERA to 2.45 after winning his last start.  In that game, Smyly threw 7 shutout innings and allowed just 2 hits and 2 walks while striking out 6.  It was clearly Smyly’s best outing of the season.  Last season, Smyly worked out of the bullpen for 63 appearances, a 6 – 0 record with 2 saves and a 2.37 ERA. 

In 2013, Smyly held the Astros scoreless and got a win in 2 appearances as he allowed just 2 hits in 2.2 innings while striking out 3.  In his career, he has only faced 7 of the hitters on the Houston roster and of those seven, only two have hits against Smyly.     

Houston Astros Betting Trends

Houston Astros are 15-16-1 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Houston Astros is -1.8

Detroit Tigers Betting Trends

Detroit Tigers are 13-12-2 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Detroit Tigers is 1.1

Injuries to Watch

Houston Astros

04/26/14 P Matt Albers Shoulder 15-day DL (4/22)
04/21/14 P Scott Feldman Bicep 15-day DL (4/21)
03/31/14 P Alex White Elbow 15-day DL (3/21)
03/31/14 P Asher Wojcie Side 15-day DL (3/21)
03/31/14 P Jesse Crain Bicep 60-day (3/21)

Detroit Tigers

05/02/14 P Joel Hanrahan Elbow 15-day DL (5/2)
04/27/14 P Anibal Sanchez Finger 15-day DL (4/27)
04/21/14 P Luke Putkonen Elbow 15-day DL (4/19)
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)

Josh's Pick: Take Detroit

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