Saturday, April 19, 4:05 PM on CSNH, CSCA

O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California

Houston - Oberholtzer, B (0-3) vs. Oakland - Kazmir, S (2-0)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

On Saturday afternoon, the O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. will be home to this American League West division showdown between the Oakland Athletics and the visiting Houston Astros. The home team will send left hander Scott Kazmir to the mound for the start, while the Astros will counter with a lefty of their own, Brett Oberholtzer.

Oberholtzer is currently in his 2nd season. The 24-year-old from Delaware made 13 appearances a year ago including 10 starts. He was just 4-5 in 2013, but had a great ERA (2.76) and showed a huge upside for the lowly Astros. This season, he has made 3 starts and has shown some signs of continuing his success from last season. He has allowed 7 earned runs in 18 innings with 15 strikeouts, while keeping his WHIP below 1.00 (0.94). He made a start against Oakland a year ago and allowed 6 hits in 21 at-bats, giving up a home run to Yoenis Cespedes.

Kazmir, the 9 year pro, has gotten off to a solid start for the Athletics this season. He has allowed just 3 earned runs in 19 1/3 innings, all of which came in 1 start. In his other 2 starts, he has gone 13 1/3 innings with just 5 hits allowed, no walks and 14 strikeouts. In his career against the current Astros, he has given up 8 hits in 24 at bats with Jose Altuve  having the most success (3-for-6, double).

Houston Betting Trends

Houston is 7-9-0 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Houston is -1.8

Oakland Betting Trends

Oakland is 7-8-0 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Oakland is +1.3

Injuries to Watch

Houston

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 15-day DL (3/21)

Oakland

04/16/14 CF Coco Crisp Hamstring questionable
04/15/14 P Scott Kazmir Tricep expected to start Saturday vs. Houston Astros
04/04/14 SS Jake Elmore Quad 15-day DL (3/28)
03/30/14 P A.J. Griffin Elbow 15-day DL (3/21)
03/30/14 P Fernando Rodriguez Elbow 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 P Eric O'Flaherty Elbow 60-day DL (2/17)
03/28/14 P Jarrod Parker Elbow 60-day DL (3/20), out for season

Tony's Pick: Take Oakland

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