Monday, August 18, 2014

Target Field in Minneapolis

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Monday night, Jason Vargas (9 – 5, 3.27 ERA) will take the mound for the Kansas City Royals as they take on Trevor May (0 - 1, 12.46 ERA) and the Minnesota Twins.  Vargas makes his 23rd start as May makes his 2nd start and 3rd appearance.

Jason Vargas got the victory in his last start after going the distance for the 1st time this season.  In a complete game shutout, Vargas held the opposition to 3 hits as he struck out 4 without issuing a single walk.  Vargas’ best effort of the year took his record to 4 -3 in his last 10 starts.  In 2013, Vargas was 9 – 8 with a 4.02 ERA in 24 starts for the Los Angeles Angels. 

Last season, Vargas was torched in his only start against the Twins.  In that loss, Vargas gave up 5 runs and 9 hits in 3.1 innings of work.  This season, Vargas is 2 -0 in three starts against Minnesota while holding them to just 2 runs.

Trevor May has made 2 Major League appearances and neither has gone too well for the young right-hander.  His debut lasted just 2 innings and led to a loss.  His 2nd appearance was just as short as he allowed 3 runs and 3 hits in just 2.1 innings of relief.   He walked 2 batters and struck out 2.  In 2 appearances he has struck out 2 while walking 9 and he will have to improve his control if he is going to last in the Majors.  While at Triple-A Rochester prior to getting the call, May was 8 – 6 with a 2.84 ERA in 18 starts.

It will be May’s first start against the Royals and no matter what the scouting report says, May will need better control than he has displayed if he wants a win.            

Kansas City Royals Betting Trends

Kansas City Royals are 54-61-5 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Kansas City Royals is 0.2

Minnesota Twins Betting Trends

Minnesota Twins are 58-56-5 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Minnesota Twins is -0.3

Injuries to Watch

Kansas City Royals

08/14/14 P Scott Downs Neck 15-day DL (8/3)
08/01/14 1B Eric Hosmer Hand 15-day DL (8/1)
03/30/14 P Luke Hochevar Elbow 60-day DL (3/21)

Minnesota Twins

05/03/14 P Mike Pelfrey Groin 60-day DL (5/1)

Tony's Pick: Take Minnesota

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here

Read more articles by Tony Sink