Thursday, April 10, 7:07 PM on CSNH, RSN

Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario

Houston - Keuchel, D (0-1) vs. Toronto - McGowan, D (0-1)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Thursday night the Houston Astros will give the ball to Dallas Keuchel as they face the Toronto Blue Jays and Dustin McGowan.  Both pitchers will be making their second starts of the year after tough 1st outings.

Dallas Keuchel took the loss in his first start after giving up 4 runs (all earned) on 8 hits in just 5 innings of work.  He struck out 5 but walked 2.   For Keuchel, it wasn’t the start that he needed after going 6 – 10 last year with an ERA of 5.15 while starting 22 games and appearing in an additional 9 games. 

Last season Keuchel had 2 starts against Toronto, going 1 – 0 with 3.77 ERA while surrendering 3 home runs.    Almost everyone on the Toronto roster has hit Keuchel well with Edwin Encarnacion owning a .600 average (3 hits in 5 at-bats with an RBI). 

Dustin McGowan had a rough night in his first start of the year.  It was a short night for McGowan as he only lasted 2.2 innings while giving up 4 runs on 8 hits, giving him an ERA of 13.50.  He will try to rebound against the Astros but it won’t be easy.

Last season McGowan appeared in one game against Houston and it wasn’t pretty.   In just a third of an inning, he walked 2 and surrendered a home run.  If there is any consolation, it is that the current Astros have very limited experience against him.  Only five batters have faced him and only Jason Castro has a hit.      

Houston Betting Trends

Houston is 2-4-0 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Houston is -1.2

Toronto Betting Trends

Toronto is 4-3-0 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Toronto is -1.3

Injuries to Watch

Houston

04/07/14 CF Dexter Fowler Illness questionable
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)

Toronto

04/01/14 SS Jose Reyes Hamstring 15-day DL (3/30)
03/31/14 P Casey Janssen Back 15-day DL (3/29)
03/27/14 P J.A. Happ Back 15-day DL (3/26)

Tony's Pick: Take Toronto

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