Sunday, April 20th, 2014 4:05 PM on CSNH, CSCA

O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California

Houston - Peacock, B (0-1) vs. Oakland - Chavez, J (0-0)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

The Astros started off the season strong but have since gotten comfortable in their old stomping grounds, last place in the AL West. The A's and Jesse Chavez (0-0) will do their best to keep them there as Houston brings Brad Peacock (0-1) to the hill in an attempt to knock off the first place team. Peacock aims to get over the .500 barrier for his career, sporting a 7-7 lifetime record in his 3rd big league year. He'll be making his 1st start of the year with Houston, replacing the injured Lucas Harrell but it will be a short stint if he maintains his 8 runs over 9.2 innings pace of early 2014.

Peacock made 3 starts against the A's in 2013, earning one of his 5 wins against the team. Over 15 2/3 innings Peacock gave up 7 runs and walked 7 batters but struck out 21. Oakland's Yeonis Cespedes has struck out 4 of the 5 times he's faced the right but both Coco Crisp and Eric Sogard are hitting .571 (4-7) in their careers against Peacock.

Chavez doesn't know what he has to do to get his first win of 2014. He's given up only 1 run in each of his 3 starts and has struck out 9 in each of the last 2 to post a 1.35 ERA on the year but a 0-0 record. If Oakland could score early during his starts we might be talking about the pitcher as an early candidate to start the All-Star Game but instead he's been nothing but a serviceable 'hold man' as the A's have went on to win those 3 games.

The 30-year-old Chavez is a full-time starter for the 1st time in his career and has limited experience against Houston. The current Astros lineup has faced Chavez only 21 times, posting only 4 singles for a .190 average.

Houston Betting Trends

Houston is 8-9-0 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Houston is -2.2

Oakland Betting Trends

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

Run differential for Oakland is +1.8

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

04/04/14 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

Josh's Pick: Take Oakland

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