Thursday, September 11, 2014

U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Thursday afternoon, the Oakland Athletics will take the field behind Scott Kazmir (14 – 7, 3.42 ERA) as they square off against the Chicago White Sox and Chris Sale (11 – 3, 2.09 ERA).   It will be the 29th start for Kazmir and the 24th for Sale.

Scott Kazmir didn’t factor into the decision in his last start.  In 6.1 innings of work, Kazmir allowed 3 runs on 3 hits while walking 5 and striking out 8.  The 5 walks were a season-high for the veteran lefty.  Control has been an issue for Kazmir in his last few starts as he has walked 14 batters in his last 4 starts.  In his last 10 outings, Kazmir is 4 - 4. Last season, Kazmir posted a record of 10 – 9 with a 4.04 ERA in 29 starts for the Cleveland Indians.

In 2013, Kazmir missed getting the decision in his only start against the White Sox.  Only 5 of the current White Sox have faced Kazmir before and they are batting .400 against him with 22 hits, 4 home runs and 12 RBIs in 55 at-bats.

Chris Sale was solid his last time out but he still didn’t get the decision.  Through 6 innings of work, Sale allowed just a run on 5 hits with a walk and 5 strikeouts.   Sale has been hot and cold in the last few weeks and has compiled a 3 -2 record in his last 10 starts.  In 2013, Sale was 11 - 14 with a 3.07 ERA in 30 starts.

Last season, Sale was 0 – 2 with a 3.38 ERA in 2 starts against the A’s.  But Oakland is batting just .181 against Sale with 17 hits, 2 homers and 8 RBIs in 94 at-bats.               

Oakland Athletics Betting Trends

Oakland Athletics are 70-65-9 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Oakland Athletics is 1.1

Chicago White Sox Betting Trends

Chicago White Sox are 72-68-4 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Chicago White Sox is -0.7

Injuries to Watch

Oakland Athletics

09/10/14 CF Craig Gentry Concussion out indefinitely
09/08/14 C Stephen Vogt Ankle out indefinitely
08/25/14 C John Jaso Concussion 15-day DL
08/24/14 P Sean Doolittle Ribs 15-day DL (8/24)
06/24/14 1B Kyle Blanks Calf 60-day DL (6/23)
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

Chicago White Sox

09/05/14 1B Paul Konerko Hand out indefinitely
04/19/14 P Felipe Paulino Shoulder 15-day DL (4/19)
04/04/14 P Nate Jones Hip 60-day DL (4/4)

Guy's Pick: Take Oakland

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