Thursday, June 26, 2014, 1:35 PM on FSN, FSW

Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California

Minnesota Twins - Nolasco, R (4-5) vs. Los Angeles Angels - Weaver, J (7-6)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Thursday afternoon, the Minnesota Twins will give the ball to Ricky Nolasco as they square off against the Los Angeles Angels and Jered Weaver.  Nolasco will be making his 16th start as Weaver makes his 17th.

Ricky Nolasco picked up his 3rd straight no-decision in his last start and that kept his record at 4 - 5 with an ERA of 5.52. His last time out, Nolasco allowed 2 runs (on 2 homers) and 6 hits in 5.1 innings of work as he walked 2 and struck out 2.  It was the 3rd straight start that Nolasco needed over 100 pitches to get through 5 innings.  At this rate, he might just barely post numbers similar to 2013’s when he posted a 13 – 11 record and a 3.70 ERA in 33 starts and a relief appearance for the Miami Marlins and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Last season, Nolasco didn’t face the Angels and he has only opposed 5 of their hitters before. But he would be wise to avoid challenging Albert Pujols.  Pujols is batting .526 against Nolasco with 4 doubles, 3 homers and 8 RBIs.

Jered Weaver pitched to a no-decision in his last outing and that held his record at 7 -6 with a 3.47 ERA.  In that start, Weaver gave up a run and 4 hits in 8 innings of work.  He walked 2 as he struck out 5.  Weaver still has a chance to match last season when he went 11 – 8 with a 3.27 ERA in 24 starts.

In 2013, Weaver was 1- 0 with a 1.93 ERA in 2 starts against the Twins.  He has handled many of the Twins well but he should watch out for Kurt Suzuki.  Suzuki is batting .306 against Weaver with a homer and 5 RBIs.  

Minnesota Twins Betting Trends

Minnesota Twins are 38-32-4 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Minnesota Twins is -0.2

Los Angeles Angels Betting Trends

Los Angeles Angels are 39-31-4 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Los Angeles Angels is 0.6

Injuries to Watch

Minnesota Twins

06/19/14 SS Eduardo Nunez Hamstring 15-day DL (6/15)
06/15/14 3B Trevor Plouffe Oblique 15-day DL (6/15)
06/13/14 CF Aaron Hicks Shoulder 15-day DL(6/10)
05/03/14 P Mike Pelfrey Groin 60-day DL (5/1)

Los Angeles Angels

06/18/14 P Tyler Skaggs Hamstring 15-day DL (6/9)
06/16/14 P Fernando Salas Shoulder 15-day DL (6/15)
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)

Josh's Pick: Take Los Angeles

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