Saturday, June 28, 2014, 4:05 PM on FS1

Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas

Minnesota Twins - Hughes (8-3, 3.40 ERA) vs. Texas Rangers - Darvish (7-4, 2.62 ERA)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Saturday afternoon, Phil Hughes and the Minnesota Twins will square off against Yu Darvish and the Texas Rangers.  It will be the 16th start of the year for Hughes and the 15th for Darvish.

Phil Hughes improved his record to 8 – 3 with a 3.40 ERA after getting the win despite a rocky start his last time out.  Hughes threw 5 innings and surrendered 5 runs and 8 hits. He walked a batter while striking out 4.  Hughes has been a completely different pitcher this season compared to 2013 when he went 4 – 14 with a 5.19 ERA in 29 starts and a relief appearance for the New York Yankees.

Last season, Hughes was 0 - 1 with a 1.32 ERA in 2 starts against the Rangers.  This season, he pitched to a no-decision against Texas after allowing 3 runs and 8 hits in 7 innings of work.

Yu Darvish continued his slide with a 2nd straight loss in his last outing that dropped his record to 7 – 4 with a 2.62 ERA.  In the loss, Darvish surrendered 5 runs on 5 hits (including 2 homers) in just 6 innings of work. He threw 105 pitches while walking 4 and striking out 9.  The two losses had come after Darvish had won 6 of 7.  If he gets back on track, he should surpass his numbers from 2013 when he went 13 – 9 with a 2.83 ERA in 32 starts.

Last season, Darvish lost his only start against the Twins after giving up 3 runs on 3 hits (including 2 homers) in 6.2 innings.  In the past, he has held the Twins to a .196 average with 10 hits, a homer and 4 RBIs in 51 at-bats.

Minnesota Twins Betting Trends

Minnesota Twins are 39-32-5 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Minnesota Twins is -0.3

Texas Rangers Betting Trends

Texas Rangers are 39-32-6 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Texas Rangers is -0.7

Injuries to Watch

Minnesota Twins

06/25/14 CF Danny Santana Knee questionable
06/19/14 SS Eduardo Nunez Hamstring 15-day DL (6/15)
06/15/14 3B Trevor Plouffe Oblique 15-day DL (6/15)
05/03/14 P Mike Pelfrey Groin 60-day DL (5/1)

Texas Rangers

06/11/14 P Tanner Scheppers Elbow 15-day DL (6/11)
06/10/14 1B Mitch Moreland Ankle 15-day DL (6/8)
06/04/14 P Alexi Ogando Elbow 15-day DL (6/3)
06/04/14 P Matt Harrison Back 60-day DL (5/14), out for season
05/22/14 1B Prince Fielder Neck 60-day DL (5/17)
05/21/14 P Martin Perez Elbow 60-day DL (5/11)
04/25/14 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff Back 15-day DL (4/23)
04/23/14 P Pedro Figueroa Elbow 60-day DL (4/23)
04/19/14 LF James Adduci Finger 15-day DL (4/19)
03/31/14 C Geovany Soto Knee 60-day DL (3/30)
03/31/14 2B Jurickson Profar Shoulder 60-day DL (3/23)
03/28/14 RF Engel Beltre Leg 60-day DL (3/26)
03/28/14 P Joe Ortiz Foot 60-day DL (2/14)

Josh's Pick: Take Minnesota

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