Wednesday, August 13, 2014, 2:10 PM on FSN, CSNH

Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas

Minnesota Twins - Gibson, K (10-9) vs. Houston Astros - Oberholtzer, B (4-7)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Wednesday afternoon, the Minnesota Twins will take the field behind Kyle Gibson (10 – 9, 4.13 ERA) as they square off against the Houston Astros and Brett Olberholtzer (4 – 7, 4.05 ERA).  It will be the 23rd start for Gibson and the 17th for Olberholtzer.

Kyle Gibson took the loss his last time out after a fairly rough outing for the young right-hander.  In the defeat, Gibson surrendered 6 runs and 5 hits in 5 innings.  He walked 5 while striking out just 3.  Gibson hasn’t found any consistency in his last few starts and is 5 – 4 in his last 10 outings.  Last season, Gibson posted a 2 – 4 record with a 6.53 ERA in 10 starts.

In 2013, Gibson escaped with a no-decision in his only start against Houston after allowing 4 runs and 9 hits (including a home run) in just 3 innings.   Earlier this season, Gibson earned a win over Houston after pitching 7 shutout innings.

Brett Olberholtzer turned in a fine start in his last outing but he still didn’t get the start.  The last time out, Olberholtzer allowed just 2 runs and 6 hits (including a homer) in 7 innings.  He walked a batter and struck out 4.   Olberholtzer is 2 – 1 in his last 6 starts but he has allowed 2 or more runs in each of those starts.  In 2013, Olberholtzer went 4 – 5 with a 2.76 ERA in 10 starts and 3 relief appearances.

Last season, Olberholtzer didn’t face the Twins and he has only seen 2 of their hitters before.  Neither Eduardo Nunez nor Kurt Suzuki has managed to get a hit off of Olberholtzer in 5 combined at-bats.              

Minnesota Twins Betting Trends

Minnesota Twins are 57-54-5 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Minnesota Twins is -0.3

Houston Astros Betting Trends

Houston Astros are 57-58-3 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Houston Astros is -0.8

Injuries to Watch

Minnesota Twins

08/11/14 RF Oswaldo Arcia Back questionable
08/11/14 3B Trevor Plouffe Foot questionable
08/10/14 1B Joe Mauer Oblique 15-day DL (7/2), expected to be activated Monday vs. Houston
07/08/14 P Ricky Nolasco Elbow 15-day DL (7/6)
05/03/14 P Mike Pelfrey Groin 60-day DL (5/1)

Houston Astros

08/03/14 1B Jesus Guzman Back 15-day DL (8/2)
07/29/14 P Josh Zeid Foot 15-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)
07/01/14 CF Dexter Fowler Back 15-day DL (6/27)
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 Minnesota

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