Friday, May 9, 7:08 PM on FSN, FSDT

Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan

Minnesota Twins - Hughes, P (3-1) vs. Detroit Tigers - Verlander, J (4-1)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Friday night, the Minnesota Twins will take the field behind Phil Hughes as they take on the Detroit Tigers and Justin Verlander.  Hughes will make his 7th start as Verlander makes his 8th.

Phil Hughes got his 3rd straight win to give him a 3 - 1 record with an ERA of 4.72 after a solid start his last time out.  In that outing, Hughes allowed 2 runs on 6 hits in 6.1 innings without issuing a walk and striking out 3.  So far, Hughes looks a lot better this season than he did with the New York Yankees last year when he went 4 – 14 with an ERA of 5.19 in 29 starts and a relief appearance.

In 2013, Hughes lost both of his starts against the Tigers with an ERA of 7.56.  Hughes gave up 8 runs on 15 hits in 8.1 innings of work.   This season, Hughes got a win after he gave up just 2 runs on 4 hits in 7 innings against the Tigers.   But he will need to stay away from Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera.  Cabrera is a career .536 hitter with 5 homers and 12 RBIs when facing Hughes.

Justin Verlander comes into this one with a 4 -1 record and an ERA of 2.68 after winning his last start.  In that outing, Verlander went 7 innings and gave up 3 runs on 4 hits with 4 walks and 7 strikeouts.  Verlander is well on pace to better last season’s record of 13 – 12 with an ERA of 3.46 in 34 starts.

In 2013, Verlander was 2 – 0 with a 2.52 ERA in 4 starts against the Twins.  And if he has to face his old nemesis Joe Mauer, he will have to exercise caution.  Mauer owns a career .371 average with 3 home runs and 9 RBIS against Verlander.          

Minnesota Twins Betting Trends

Minnesota Twins are 20-10-1 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Minnesota Twins is 0

Detroit Tigers Betting Trends

Detroit Tigers are 14-12-2 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Detroit Tigers is 1.3

Injuries to Watch

Minnesota Twins

05/07/14 1B Joe Mauer Back questionable
05/03/14 P Mike Pelfrey Groin 15-day DL (5/1)
05/02/14 CF Aaron Hicks Head 7- day DL (5/2)
04/11/14 LF Josh Willingham Wrist 15-day DL (4/7)
04/09/14 RF Oswaldo Arcia Wrist 15-day DL (4/5)

Detroit Tigers

05/02/14 P Joel Hanrahan Elbow 15-day DL (5/2)
04/27/14 P Anibal Sanchez Finger 15-day DL (4/27)
04/21/14 P Luke Putkonen Elbow 15-day DL (4/19)
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)

Tony's Pick: Take Detroit

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