Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Fenway Park in Boston

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

On Wednesday, Garrett Richards (13-4) will try to keep his hot month of August going when he and the Los Angeles Angels take on Clay Buchholz (5-7) and the Boston Red Sox.

Garrett Richards had another very good start last week when he was able to beat the Texas Rangers on the road. He gave up just two runs in 7.1 innings of work that day while walking no one and striking out seven. He has an excellent 2.53 ERA this season and he has only given up 6.4 hits per nine innings, which is easily a career best for him.

Red Sox veteran Mike Napoli has four hits in his seven at-bats versus Richards with a double, a home run and three RBI. Yoenis Cespedes is 6-for-19 against him with three doubles, a triple and three RBI.

Clay Buchholz pitched well enough to get the win against the Houston Astros last Friday, but he came away with just a no decision. He pitched seven innings in that outing and allowed two runs on seven base hits while striking out nine batters and walking two. Buchholz still has a high 5.79 ERA this season and he has given up 139 hits in 116.2 innings on the mound.

Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick has eight hits in 23 at-bats against Buchholz with two doubles, a home run and four RBI. Outfielder Josh Hamilton is just 2-for-22 against him with no walks and six strikeouts.

Los Angeles Angels Betting Trends

Los Angeles Angels are 59-58-5 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Los Angeles Angels is 0.7

Boston Red Sox Betting Trends

Boston Red Sox are 51-68-4 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Boston Red Sox is -0.5

Injuries to Watch

Los Angeles Angels

08/03/14 P Joe Thatcher Ankle 15-day DL (8/3)
08/01/14 P Tyler Skaggs Forearm 60-day DL (7/31), out for season
07/24/14 2B Grant Green Back 15-day DL (7/20)
05/28/14 P Sean Burnett Elbow 15-day DL (5/29), out for season
05/12/14 3B Ian Stewart Hand 15-day DL (5/11)
04/17/14 P Ryan Brasier Elbow 60-day DL (3/21)
03/30/14 P Brian Moran Elbow 60-day DL (3/21)

Boston Red Sox

08/17/14 2B Dustin Pedroia Illness questionable
08/05/14 LF Allen Craig Ankle 15-day DL (8/2)
08/02/14 C David Ross Plantar Fasciitis 15-day DL (8/2)
08/01/14 RF Shane Victorino Back 15-day DL (7/30)
05/31/14 1B Ryan Lavarnway Wrist 60-day DL (5/30)

Josh's Pick: Take Los Angeles

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