Thursday, September 11, 2014

Progressive Field in Cleveland

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Thursday afternoon, Ricky Nolasco (5 - 10, 5.87 ERA) will take the hill for the Minnesota Twins as they face Corey Kluber (14 – 9, 2.47 ERA) and the Cleveland Indians.   Nolasco will be making his 24th start as Kluber makes his 31st.

Ricky Nolasco pitched to a no-decision in his last outing after allowing 3 runs and 8 hits through 5 innings.  He walked a batter and struck out 5.  The no-decision broke a streak of 4 losses in 5 starts for Nolasco but he has struggled mightily in recent starts.  Nolasco is just 1 – 5 in his last 10 outings.  Last season, he went 13 – 11 with a 3.70 ERA in 33 starts and a relief appearance for the Miami Marlins and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Nolasco didn’t face the Tribe in 2013 but he has seen them a few times this season.  In 3 starts against Cleveland this year, he is 0 - 1.

Corey Kluber got the victory in his last start and broke a 3 game losing streak in the process.  Kluber went the distance his last time out, holding the opposition to a run on 5 hits.  He fanned 8 without issuing any free passes.  Despite the losing streak, Kluber has still pitched very well in his last 10 starts.  He is 5 - 3 in those 10 outings.  In 2013, Kluber was 11 - 5 with a 3.85 ERA in 24 starts and 2 relief appearances.

Last season, Kluber was 2 -1 with a 4.98 ERA in 4 starts against the Twins.  Just a few weeks ago, Kluber took the loss against Minnesota after allowing 3 runs and 6 hits (including a homer) in 7 innings.             

Minnesota Twins Betting Trends

Minnesota Twins are 76-63-5 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Minnesota Twins is -0.4

Cleveland Indians Betting Trends

Cleveland Indians are 65-74-4 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Cleveland Indians is 0

Injuries to Watch

Minnesota Twins

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

Cleveland Indians

09/05/14 3B Mike Aviles Concussion out indefinitely
08/29/14 C Chris Gimenez Personal placed on paternity list
08/10/14 1B Nick Swisher Knee 15-day DL (8/10); out for season
06/12/14 1B Jason Giambi Knee 60-day DL (6/12)

Tony's Pick: Take Cleveland

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