Friday, September 26, 2014

Comerica Park in Detroit

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Friday night, Anthony Swarzak (3 – 2, 4.52 ERA) and the Minnesota Twins will face Rick Porcello (15 – 12, 3.31 ERA) and the Detroit Tigers.  Swarzak will make his 4th start and 50th appearance as Porcello makes his 31st start and 32nd appearance.

Anthony Swarzak took the loss after getting lit up in his last start.  In that outing, Swarzak allowed 5 runs and 8 hits through just 4.1 innings of work.  He walked 2 and struck out 2.   Swarzak has been pounded in his last 2 starts and has surrendered 11 runs on 19 hits in 8.2 innings.  In his last 10 appearances (2 starts and 8 relief appearances), Swarzak is 1 - 1.   Last season, he made 48 relief appearances and compiled a 3 - 2 record with a 2.91 ERA. 

In 2013, Swarzak was 1 – 0 with a 0.00 ERA in 5 appearances against the Tigers.  This season, he doesn’t have a decision in his 1 start and 5 relief appearances against Detroit.

Rick Porcello was roughed up as he took the loss his last time out.  In just 3.1 innings, Porcello was torched for 4 runs and 9 hits as he walked 2 batters and struck out just 1. The last few weeks have seen Porcello struggle on almost every trip that he has taken to the mound. He is only 2 - 7 in his last 10 appearances.  Last season, Porcello went 13 – 8 with a 4.32 ERA in 29 starts and 3 relief appearances.

In 2013, Porcello posted a 1 – 2 record with a 5.40 ERA in 4 starts against the Twins. He is 1 – 0 in 3 starts against Minnesota this season, including a start less than 2 weeks ago.                  

Minnesota Twins Betting Trends

Minnesota Twins are 85-67-6 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Minnesota Twins is -0.5

Detroit Tigers Betting Trends

Detroit Tigers are 81-70-7 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Detroit Tigers is 0.4

Injuries to Watch

Minnesota Twins

09/25/14 1B Joe Mauer Elbow probable Thursday vs. Detroit Tigers
09/25/14 3B Trevor Plouffe Forearm out for season
09/20/14 P Glen Perkins Forearm out for season
08/25/14 P Yohan Pino Elbow out indefinitely
05/03/14 P Mike Pelfrey Groin 60-day DL (5/1)

Detroit Tigers

09/02/14 P Drew VerHagen Back 60-day DL (7/15)
06/25/14 P Luke Putkonen Elbow 60-day DL (4/19)
05/02/14 P Joel Hanrahan Elbow 60-day DL (5/2)
03/28/14 LF Andy Dirks Back 60-day DL (3/29)
03/28/14 P Bruce Rondon Elbow 60-day DL (3/29), out for season
03/27/14 SS Jose Iglesias Stress Fracture 60-day DL (3/29); out for season

Guy's Pick: Take Detroit

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 Guy Bruhn