Kansas City Royals at Detroit Tigers 9/9/2014 Free MLB Picks & Predictions
by Guy Bruhn - 9/8/2014
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Comerica Park in Detroit
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Comerica Park will be the home to an American League Central division showdown between the top two teams, the Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers. The Royals are currently in first place as they are looking to reach the playoffs for the first time since 1985 when they won the World Series. They will send left-hander Jason Vargas (11-7) to the mound to take on the reigning AL Cy Young winner, Max Scherzer (15-5).
Vargas is having the best season of his career with the Royals this season and is sporting a 3.14 ERA. He also has a 1.23 WHIP and .263 BAA is 4-4 in his past 10 starts. The 31-year-old - who is in his first season with the Royals - has recorded 112 strikeouts in 169 innings with 59 earned runs allowed off 174 hits. In his career against current members of the Tigers, he has allowed 48 hits in 173 at-bats with 6 home runs allowed. Alex Avila and Ian Kinsler each have 2 home runs and quality averages off the California native.
In Scherzer, fans know what to expect. He is currently sporting a 3.25 ERA, which is a bit higher than his 2013 total, but all other stats are up to par with his award-winning campaign. In 193.2 innings, he has allowed 70 earned runs on 170 hits with 226 strikeouts. In his career against current Royals, he has allowed 71 hits in 295 at-bats with 11 home runs allowed. Alcides Escobar, Salvador Perez, and Josh Willingham have each connected for 2 home runs.
Kansas City Royals Betting Trends
Kansas City Royals are 61-73-7 against the Over/Under
Run Differential for Kansas City Royals is 0.2
Detroit Tigers Betting Trends
Detroit Tigers are 74-63-6 against the Over/Under
Run differential for Detroit Tigers is 0.3
Injuries to Watch
Kansas City Royals
09/08/14 P Danny Duffy Shoulder expected to miss next scheduled start Thursday vs. Boston Red Sox
09/03/14 2B Christian Colon Finger out indefinitely
08/14/14 P Scott Downs Neck 15-day DL (8/3)
03/30/14 P Luke Hochevar Elbow 60-day DL (3/21)
Detroit Tigers
09/02/14 P Drew VerHagen Back 60-day DL (7/15)
08/10/14 P Anibal Sanchez Pectoral 15-day DL (8/9)
08/10/14 P Joakim Soria Oblique 15-day DL (8/10)
06/25/14 P Luke Putkonen Elbow 60-day DL (4/19)
05/02/14 P Joel Hanrahan Elbow 60-day DL (5/2)
03/28/14 LF Andy Dirks Back 60-day DL (3/29)
03/28/14 P Bruce Rondon Elbow 60-day DL (3/29), out for season
03/27/14 SS Jose Iglesias Stress Fracture 60-day DL (3/29); out for season
Guy's Pick: Take Detroit
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