Saturday, August 9, 2014, 9:05 PM on FSN, CSCA

O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California

Minnesota Twins - TBD vs. Oakland Athletics - Samardzija, J (2-1)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Right-hander Jeff Samardzija (2-1) will make his seventh start for the Oakland Athletics when they go up against Kris Johnson (0-1) and the Minnesota Twins on Saturday.

Jeff Samardzija had a good start against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday, but all he got out of that game was a no decision. He pitched seven innings in that outing and allowed two runs on five base hits while walking one and striking out three. In six starts for the A's, Samardzija is 2-1 with a 3.09 ERA and he has only walked five batters in 43.2 innings.

Twins All-Star catcher Kurt Suzuki has one hits in four at-bats against Samardzija with a walk, a double and two RBI. Trevor Plouffe is 1-for-2 against him with a double and three RBI.

Kris Johnson last made a spot start for the Twins back on July 21, when he pitched five decent innings against the Cleveland Indians and finished with a no decision. He allowed just two runs on five hits in that game while walking three and striking out four. In three starts this year, he has a 4.73 ERA and he has struck out 12 batters in 13.1 innings.

The A's will be facing Johnson for the first time on Saturday. So far this year, left-handed batters are hitting .250 against him, while right-handed batters have a .353 batting average against him.

Minnesota Twins Betting Trends

Minnesota Twins are 55-52-5 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Minnesota Twins is -0.3

Oakland Athletics Betting Trends

Oakland Athletics are 55-51-7 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Oakland Athletics is 1.5

Injuries to Watch

Minnesota Twins

07/08/14 P Ricky Nolasco Elbow 15-day DL (7/6)
07/02/14 1B Joe Mauer Oblique 15-day DL (7/2)
05/03/14 P Mike Pelfrey Groin 60-day DL (5/1)

Oakland Athletics

08/03/14 2B Nick Punto Hamstring 15-day DL (8/3)
07/29/14 CF Craig Gentry Hand 15-day DL (7/28)
06/24/14 1B Kyle Blanks Calf 15-day DL (6/23)
04/04/14 SS Jake Elmore Quad 60-day DL (3/28)
03/30/14 P A.J. Griffin Elbow 60-day DL (3/21)
03/30/14 P Fernando Rodriguez Elbow 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 P Jarrod Parker Elbow 60-day DL (3/20), out for season

Josh's Pick: Take Oakland

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 Josh Schonwald