Friday, August 15, 2014

Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Friday night, James Paxton (2 – 0, 2.38 ERA) gets the call for the Seattle Mariners as they take on Rick Porcello (13 - 7, 3.11 ERA) and the Detroit Tigers. Paxton makes just his 5th start of the season as Porcello makes his 23rd start and 24th appearance.

James Paxton comes into this one ready to make just his 3rd start after a strained lat muscle sat him down for 4 months.   His last start was great but his offense didn’t help him out and he missed getting the decision.  In that outing, Paxton gave up just a run and 6 hits in 6.1 innings of work.  He struck out 4 without issuing any walks.  If Paxton can retain some type of consistency, he could give the Mariners some decent innings.  Last season, he started just 4 games and compiled a record of 3 – 0 with a 1.50 ERA. 

In 2013, Paxton didn’t get the decision in his only start against the Tigers.  Four of the current Tigers have seen him before and they are a combined 3 of 8 with a home run and 2 RBIs. 

Rick Porcello took his 2nd straight loss in his last appearance after being forced into the role of a reliever in an extra inning game.  He gave up a run and 3 hits in 2 innings as he walked 2 without striking out anyone.  A relief appearance just a few days after a start could have affected his performance.  But Porcello is still a reliable starter for the Tigers and is 5 - 3 in his last 10 appearances.  In 2013, Porcello went 13 – 8 with a 4.32 ERA in 29 starts and 3 relief appearances.

Last season, Porcello beat the Mariners after holding them to a run on 5 hits through 6 innings in his only start against Seattle.  Seattle is batting .253 against Porcello with 19 hits, a homer and 8 RBIs in 75 at-bats.           

Seattle Mariners Betting Trends

Seattle Mariners are 46-68-5 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Seattle Mariners is 0.7

Detroit Tigers Betting Trends

Detroit Tigers are 59-53-5 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Detroit Tigers is 0.3

Injuries to Watch

Seattle Mariners

08/08/14 SS Willie Bloomquist Knee 15-day DL (7/24); out for season
08/03/14 1B Corey Hart Knee 15-day DL (8/2)
07/11/14 CF Michael Saunders Side 15-day DL (7/10)
04/16/14 P Blake Beavan Shoulder 60-day DL (4/15)

Detroit Tigers

08/12/14 P Justin Verlander Shoulder doubtful next scheduled start
08/10/14 P Anibal Sanchez Pectoral 15-day DL (8/9)
08/10/14 P Joakim Soria Oblique 15-day DL (8/10)
06/25/14 P Luke Putkonen Elbow 60-day DL (4/19)
05/02/14 P Joel Hanrahan Elbow 60-day DL (5/2)
03/28/14 LF Andy Dirks Back 60-day DL (3/29)
03/28/14 P Bruce Rondon Elbow 60-day DL (3/29), out for season
03/27/14 SS Jose Iglesias Stress Fracture 60-day DL (3/29); out for season

Guy's Pick: Take Detroit

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