Sunday, September 7, 2014

Target Field in Minneapolis

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

The Minnesota Twins are playing the rest of the season for pride. The team is close to being eliminated from playoff contention and will look to play spoiler to hopes of other teams. That role of spoiler will be in effect when they welcome the American League West first place Los Angeles Angels team to Target Field. Left-hander Logan Darnell (0-1) will get the start for the Twins, while left-hander C.J. Wilson (10-9) will get the ball for the Angels.

This will be just the third start for Darnell and fourth overall appearance this season. He has not pitched well, going just 12 innings with 11 earned runs allowed on 16 hits and 4 walks. In his last 2 outings, he was roughed up by the Chicago White Sox for 11 earned runs in 9 innings and could experience a tougher day when he takes on the stout Angels offense led by Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, Erick Aybar, and Howie Kendrick.

Wilson is currently on pace to have one of the worst seasons of his career. Sporting a 4.66 ERA, he hasn't pitched like the man who 61 games in the previous 4 seasons, but he has still solidified his spot in the rotation. He is coming off a terrible start against the Houston Astros where he gave up 5 earned runs on 8 hits in 3.1 innings. In his career against current Minnesota players, he has allowed just 13 hits in 81 at-bats and has shut down two of their best hitters (Joe Mauer, 3-for-25, and Kurt Suzuki, 2-for-25).

Los Angeles Angels Betting Trends

Los Angeles Angels are 66-68-5 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Los Angeles Angels is 0.8

Minnesota Twins Betting Trends

Minnesota Twins are 73-62-5 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Minnesota Twins is -0.3

Injuries to Watch

Los Angeles Angels

09/05/14 LF Josh Hamilton Shoulder questionable
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)

Minnesota Twins

08/25/14 P Yohan Pino Elbow out indefinitely
05/03/14 P Mike Pelfrey Groin 60-day DL (5/1)

Tony's Pick: Take Los Angeles

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