Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Minute Maid Park in Houston

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

The American League playoff picture is becoming clearer with each passing day. In the West, the Los Angeles Angels have gone from second place to the head of the division in just a few weeks and will look to continue their recent success against the helpless Houston Astros. The Angels will send their left-hander C.J. Wilson (10-8) to the mound at Minute Maid Park against right-hander Brad Peacock (3-8).

Wilson has not had the type of season that is expected out of him, but he has still delivered a better performance than a large number of starters in the sport. Up until the end of June, he was pitching like the guy that is 83-60 during his career. In his past 10 starts, he has struggled and has seen his ERA climb from 3.70 to 4.46. He is 3-2 in that time, but has allowed 36 earned runs in 46.2 innings. He will look to turn it around against a team that he has allowed just 29 hits to in 123 at-bats. Chris Carter has hit him the best of any Houston player, getting 8 hits in 22 trips.

For the Astros, Peacock just has not been able to find any consistency. He has a 5.13 ERA and has walked 60 batters in 112.1 innings this season. He has been especially terrible since July 13, going 0-3 with 24 earned runs allowed in 27.2 innings. Against current members of the Angels, he has allowed 16 hits in 56 at-bats with just 1 home run allowed (Hank Conger).

Los Angeles Angels Betting Trends

Los Angeles Angels are 64-67-5 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Los Angeles Angels is 0.9

Houston Astros Betting Trends

Houston Astros are 65-70-3 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Houston Astros is -0.7

Injuries to Watch

Los Angeles Angels

08/22/14 P Garrett Richards Knee 60-day DL (8/21), out for season
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
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)

Houston Astros

07/29/14 P Josh Zeid Foot 60-day DL (7/25), out for season
07/23/14 RF George Springer Knee 15-day DL (7/20)
07/08/14 RF Alex Presley Oblique 15-day DL (7/7)
06/21/14 P Jose Cisnero Elbow 60-day DL (6/20)
04/26/14 P Matt Albers Shoulder 60-day DL (4/22)
03/31/14 P Alex White Elbow 15-day DL (3/21)
03/31/14 P Jesse Crain Bicep 60-day DL (3/21)

Josh's Pick: Take Los Angeles

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