Monday, September 22, 2014

Globe Life Park in Arlington

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On Monday, rookie starter Nick Tropeano (1-1) will make the third start of his career with he and the Houston Astros take on Derek Holland (1-0) and the Texas Rangers.

Nick Tropeano made his second start of the year last Tuesday and ended up losing to the Cleveland Indians at home. He went five innings in that game and gave up two runs (one earned) on four base hits while striking out four and walking two. Through two games, Tropeano has pitched 10 innings and has given up eight hits and has struck out nine.

All of the Rangers will be going up against Tropeano for the first time on Monday night. So far this year, right-handed batters are hitting .286 against him while left-handed batters have a .200 batting average against him.

Derek Holland made his fourth start of the season last Wednesday and ended up taking the no decision against the Oakland Athletics on the road. He pitched 6.1 innings in that game and allowed just one run on four base hits while striking out five hitters and walking three. The left-hander now has a solid 0.99 ERA and he has only walked three batters in 27.1 innings.

Astros catcher Jason Castro has four hits in his six plate appearances against Holland with a solo home run and no strikeouts. L.J. Hoes is just 1-for-9 against him in his career with one walk and three strikeouts.

Houston Astros Betting Trends

Houston Astros are 69-82-4 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Houston Astros is -0.6

Texas Rangers Betting Trends

Texas Rangers are 69-75-10 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Texas Rangers is -0.9

Injuries to Watch

Houston Astros

09/17/14 RF George Springer Knee 15-day DL (7/20), out for season
07/29/14 P Josh Zeid Foot 60-day DL (7/25), out for season
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)

Texas Rangers

09/19/14 P Scott Baker Tricep out indefinitely
09/17/14 RF Michael Choice Hamstring out for season
09/05/14 RF Alex Rios Thumb out indefinitely
08/29/14 LF James Adduci Concussion 15-day DL (9/12)
08/26/14 LF Shin-Soo Choo Elbow 60-day DL (8/26), out for season
08/13/14 P Yu Darvish Elbow 60-day DL (8/10); out for season
06/11/14 P Tanner Scheppers Elbow 60-day DL (6/11)
06/10/14 1B Mitch Moreland Ankle 15-day DL (6/8)
06/04/14 P Alexi Ogando Elbow 60-day DL (6/3)
06/04/14 P Matt Harrison Back 60-day DL (5/14), out for season
05/22/14 1B Prince Fielder Neck 60-day DL (5/17)
05/21/14 P Martin Perez Elbow 60-day DL (5/11)
04/25/14 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff Back 60-day DL (4/23); out for season
04/23/14 P Pedro Figueroa Elbow 60-day DL (4/23)
03/31/14 2B Jurickson Profar Shoulder 60-day DL (3/23)
03/28/14 RF Engel Beltre Leg 60-day DL (3/26)

Guy's Pick: Take Houston

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