Friday, August 8, 2014, 4:05 PM on SUN, WGN

Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois

Tampa Bay Rays - Archer, C (7-6) vs. Chicago Cubs - Wada, T (1-1)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Friday afternoon, the Tampa Bay Rays will send Chris Archer (7 – 6, 3.42 ERA) to the mound as they square off against Tsuyoshi Wada (1 - 1, 3.32 ERA) and the Chicago Cubs.  Archer makes his 23rd start as Wada makes his 5th.

Chris Archer added another win to his record in his last outing after a solid effort from the young righty.  In the win, Archer surrendered 3 runs on 6 hits in 6 innings of work. He walked 2 batters and struck out 9.  The last few starts have been productive for Archer and he is 3 – 1 in his last 5 outings.  A few more successful starts and he will improve on his numbers from 2013 when he went 9 – 7 with a 3.22 ERA in 23 starts.

Archer has never faced the Cubs but if he shows Chicago what he has shown his last few opponents, he should be able to notch another victory.

Tsuyoshi Wada put up a decent effort in his last outing but it resulted in a no-decision.  In that start, Wada gave up 2 runs on 6 hits (including a homer) in 5.2 innings of work.  He walked 2 and struck out 6.  The Japanese native made his Major League debut a month ago after a solid career in Japan and a few years on the shelf here in the United States after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2012.  This year in the Minors, Wada compiled a record of 10 – 6 with a 2.77 ERA in 18 starts and a relief appearance.

Wada has never seen the Rays and will have to rely on the scouting report for any information on how to handle the Tampa Bay lineup.     

Tampa Bay Rays Betting Trends

Tampa Bay Rays are 54-54-5 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Tampa Bay Rays is 0

Chicago Cubs Betting Trends

Chicago Cubs are 58-47-6 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Chicago Cubs is -0.3

Injuries to Watch

Tampa Bay Rays

07/18/14 C Ryan Hanigan Oblique 15-day DL (7/9)
06/24/14 LF Jerry Sands Wrist 15-day DL (6/22), out for season
06/19/14 LF David DeJesus Hand 15-day DL (6/19)
06/01/14 RF Wil Myers Wrist 60-day DL (5/31)
04/08/14 P Matt Moore Elbow 60-day DL (4/8), out for season
03/30/14 2B Tim Beckham Knee 60-day DL (3/30)

Chicago Cubs

07/31/14 P Felix Doubront Calf 15-day DL (7/31)
07/29/14 P Neil Ramirez Tricep 15-day DL (7/26)
03/31/14 P James McDonald Shoulder 60-day DL (2/23)
03/28/14 P Kyuji Fujikawa Elbow 60-day DL (3/21)

Tony's Pick: Take Tampa Bay

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