Wednesday, April 2, 8:05 PM on ESP2, TCN, FSSW

Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas

Philadelphia - K. Kendrick (0-0) vs. Texas - R. Ross Jr. (0-0)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Robbie Ross will be getting his first career start on Wednesday when the Texas Rangers host Kyle Kendrick and the Philadelphia Phillies. After two successful years as a reliever in the Rangers' bullpen, Robbie Ross will be hoping that he can use that experience to become a permanent starter in their rotation. Ross let a few more runs cross the plate last year than he did in his first season, but he also walked less and struck out more hitters. If he can keep the walks down and the strikeouts up, he should have a good season.

The only hitter on the Phillies who has more than one plate appearances against Ross is center fielder Ben Revere, who has one hit in three at-bats.

Kyle Kendrick had a down year in 2013, posting a 4.70 ERA and a 1.396 WHIP in 182 innings. Opposing offenses had over 10 hits per nine innings against him and he was only able to strike out 5.4 hitters per nine innings. He will definitely be looking to have a bounce-back year in 2014.

The player on the Rangers who has faced Kendrick the most is Shin-Soo Choo, who has two hits, which were both home runs, in 10 career plate appearances against the righty. Prince Fielder has faced him eight times in his career and has three hits, including one home run.

Philadelphia Trends

Philadelphia is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games
Philadelphia is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games on the road

Texas Trends

Texas is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Texas's last 7 games
Texas is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home

Injuries to Watch

Philadelphia 

03/28/14 P Cole Hamels Bicep 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 LF Darin Ruf Oblique 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 P Ethan Martin Shoulder 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 2B Freddy Galvis Staph Infection 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 P Jonathan Pettibone Shoulder expected to miss 2-3 weeks
03/28/14 P Miguel Gonzalez Shoulder 60-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 P Mike Adams Shoulder 15-day DL (3/26)

Texas 

04/01/14 P Colby Lewis Undisclosed questionable
03/31/14 P Yu Darvish Neck 15-day DL (3/21)
03/31/14 C Geovany Soto Knee 60-day DL (3/30)
03/31/14 2B Jurickson Profar Shoulder 15-day DL (3/23)
03/31/14 P Matt Harrison Back 15-day DL (3/29)
03/28/14 P Derek Holland Knee 60-day DL (3/3)
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 Philadelphia

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