Friday, July 25, 2014, 8:05 PM on CSCA, KTXA

Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas

Oakland Athletics - Hammel, J (0-2) vs. Texas Rangers - Tepesch, N (3-6)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Friday night, Jason Hammel will take the hill for the Oakland Athletics as they face Nick Tepesch and the Texas Rangers. Hammel makes his 20^th start as Tepesch makes his 12^th start and 13^th appearance.

Jason Hammel took his 2^nd straight loss in his last outing and that dropped his record to 8 - 7 with a 3.35 ERA. In the loss, Hammel was lit up for 5 runs on 6 hits (including 2 home runs) in just 2 innings of work. He walked 2 and struck out 2. Since getting coming over from the Chicago Cubs, Hammel has yet to win a game for his new team and has allowed 8 runs and 12 hits (including 3 homers) in just 2 starts. Last season, Hammel was just 7 - 8 with a save and a 4.97 ERA in 23 stars and 3 relief appearances with the Baltimore Orioles.

In 2013, Hammel didn't face the Rangers but he has seen some of their hitters in the past. 7 Rangers are batting .247 against Hammel with 18 hits, 2 home runs and 11 RBIs in 73 at-bats.

Nick Tepesch got the loss in his last appearance and that lowered his record to 3 - 6 with a 4.87 ERA. Tepesch only pitched 0.1 innings in relief but he got the loss after allowing a run on 3 hits. Tepesch had to pitch on short rest after the Rangers went to extra innings and needed another arm. It was more of a hard luck loss than anything else but Tepesch has only 2 victories since the end of May. In 2013, he was 4 - 6 with a 4.84 ERA in 17 starts and 2 relief appearances.

Last season, during his rookie campaign, Tepesch didn't get a decision in his 1 start and 2 relief appearances against the A's. This season, he has a loss against Oakland after allowing 4 runs and 9 hits in 5 innings.

Oakland Athletics Betting Trends

Oakland Athletics are 47-45-7 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Oakland Athletics is 1.5

Texas Rangers Betting Trends

Texas Rangers are 50-44-6 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Texas Rangers is -1.1

Injuries to Watch

Oakland Athletics

07/23/14 C Derek Norris Rest questionable
07/12/14 2B Alberto Callaspo Hamstring 15-day DL (7/11)
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

Texas Rangers

07/22/14 C Geovany Soto Groin 15-day DL (7/21)
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)
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)

Tony's Pick: Take Texas

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