Sunday, September 21, 2014

O.co Coliseum in Oakland

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

On Sunday afternoon, A.J. Burnett (8-17) will attempt to snap his two-game losing streak when the Philadelphia Phillies face off against Scott Kazmir (14-9) and the Oakland Athletics.

Last week, A.J. Burnett allowed five runs (four earned) in 5.2 innings to the San Diego Padres and ended up taking the loss. He gave up eight hits in that game and walked four batters while striking out four. Burnett has a 4.40 ERA on the season and he has struck out 180 batters in 202.2 innings of work.

A's designated hitter Adam Dunn has five hits in his 19 at-bats against Burnett with three walks, two doubles and three RBI. Outfielder Coco Crisp is just 3-for-21 against him in his career with two walks and five strikeouts.

Scott Kazmir lost his second game in a row last Tuesday when he was beaten by the Texas Rangers at home. He pitched 4.1 innings in that start and gave up six runs (four earned) on nine base hits while striking out three hitters and walking one. The left-hander now has a 3.44 ERA on the year and he has only given up 7.9 hits per nine innings.

Phillies outfielder Grady Sizemore has hit a home run off of Kazmir, but he is just 2-for-11 overall against him in his career. First baseman Ryan Howard is 1-for-6 against Kazmir with no walks and two strikeouts.

Philadelphia Phillies Betting Trends

Philadelphia Phillies are 79-64-11 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Philadelphia Phillies is -0.4

Oakland Athletics Betting Trends

Oakland Athletics are 73-71-9 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Oakland Athletics is 1

Injuries to Watch

Philadelphia Phillies

09/20/14 LF Domonic Brown Wrist "?" Saturday vs. Oakland Athletics
09/16/14 P Jonathan Papelbon Suspension expected to miss 7 games
09/11/14 SS Jimmy Rollins Hamstring out indefinitely
09/05/14 P Mario Hollands Shoulder 60-day DL (9/4)
08/01/14 P Cliff Lee Elbow 15-day DL (7/31), out for season
06/20/14 3B Reid Brignac Ankle 15-day DL (6/20)

Oakland Athletics

09/10/14 CF Craig Gentry Concussion out indefinitely
08/25/14 C John Jaso Concussion 15-day DL (9/8)
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

Tony'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 Tony Sink