Thursday, September 25, 2014

U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago

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James Shields (14-8), who has a 1.75 ERA in his last five starts, will be on the mound for the Kansas City Royals on Thursday night when they face Chicago White Sox left-hander Jose Quintana (9-10).

James Shields gave up three runs in 6.2 innings against the Detroit Tigers last weekend and ended up taking the loss. He allowed six base hits in that outing and walked one batter while striking out six. On the season, Shields now has a 3.18 ERA and he has only walked a total of 42 batters in 221 innings of work.

White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez seems to like facing Shields, going 23-for-55 against him in his career with a double, a triple and two home runs. Veteran Paul Konerko is just 6-for-38 against the right-hander with six walks and 11 strikeouts.

Last Friday, Jose Quintana was able to pick up his second consecutive win when he beat the Tampa Bay Rays on the road. He pitched 7.1 innings in that start and gave up three runs (one earned) on nine base hits while striking out six hitters and walking no one. Quintana has only given up nine home runs in 193 innings this season and he has a 3.22 ERA.

Royals slugger Josh Willingham is 9-for-21 against Quintana in his career with three home runs and six RBI. First baseman Eric Hosmer is just 3-for-28 against him with a walk and seven strikeouts.

Kansas City Royals Betting Trends

Kansas City Royals are 69-80-8 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Kansas City Royals is 0.1

Chicago White Sox Betting Trends

Chicago White Sox are 77-74-6 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Chicago White Sox is -0.6

Injuries to Watch

Kansas City Royals

09/03/14 2B Christian Colon Finger 15-day DL (9/7)
08/14/14 P Scott Downs Neck 15-day DL (8/3)
03/30/14 P Luke Hochevar Elbow 60-day DL (3/21)

Chicago White Sox

04/19/14 P Felipe Paulino Shoulder 15-day DL (4/19)
04/04/14 P Nate Jones Hip 60-day DL (4/4)

Guy's Pick: Take Chicago

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