Friday, September 26, 2014

Progressive Field in Cleveland

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Friday night, the Tampa Bay Rays will send Chris Archer (10 – 8, 3.42 ERA) to the mound as they square off against the Cleveland Indians and T.J. House (4 – 3, 3.43 ERA).  Archer makes his 32nd start as House makes his 18th start and 19th appearance.

Chris Archer turned in a solid performance in his last start on the way to a victory. Archer threw 6.1 scoreless innings and held the opposition to just 2 hits and 4 walks while striking out 3.   Archer has allowed just 4 runs in his last 3 outings en route to 2 wins in those starts.  Overall, he is 4 -2 in his last 10 starts.  In 2013, Archer posted a record of 9 – 7 with a 3.22 ERA in 23 starts.

Last season, Archer was pounded in his only start against the Indians and he took the loss after allowing 5 runs and 7 hits (including 2 homers) in just 4 innings.  He lost his start against Cleveland earlier this season after giving up 4 runs and 8 hits (including a home run) in 5 innings.

T.J. House notched his 2nd straight win in his last trip to the mound.  In the win, House allowed 2 runs and 6 hits through 5 innings of work.  He walked a batter and struck out 5.  House is 2 - 0 in his last 4 starts after allowing just 4 runs in those outings.  He is 3 - 1 in his last 10 appearances.  Before getting the call, House was 1 – 2 with a 2.40 ERA in 7 starts at Triple-A.

House has never faced the Rays but if he shows them what he has shown his last few opponents, he could come away with a win.               

Tampa Bay Rays Betting Trends

Tampa Bay Rays are 72-77-9 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Tampa Bay Rays is 0

Cleveland Indians Betting Trends

Cleveland Indians are 74-81-4 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Cleveland Indians is 0.1

Injuries to Watch

Tampa Bay Rays

09/25/14 C Curt Casali Concussion doubtful Thursday vs. Boston Red Sox
09/24/14 SS Yunel Escobar Knee out indefinitely
09/04/14 CF Desmond Jennings Knee out indefinitely
06/24/14 LF Jerry Sands Wrist 60-day DL (6/22), out for season
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)

Cleveland Indians

09/18/14 LF Ryan Raburn Knee out for season
08/10/14 1B Nick Swisher Knee 15-day DL (8/10); out for season
06/12/14 1B Jason Giambi Knee 60-day DL (6/12)

Tony's Pick: Take Tampa Bay

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