Monday, August 4, 2014, 10:05 PM on CSCA

O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California

Tampa Bay Rays - Cobb, A (7-6) vs. Oakland Athletics - Samardzija, J (2-1)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

On Monday night, Alex Cobb (7-6) will be going for his fourth consecutive win when he and the Tampa Bay Rays face right-hander Jeff Samardzija (2-1) and the Oakland Athletics.

Alex Cobb had his best start of the season his last time on the mound when he was able to beat the Milwaukee Brewers at home. He pitched eight strong innings in that start and allowed just one run on three hits while walking two and striking out a season-high 12. He lowered his ERA to 3.54 with that win and he has struck out 92 hitters in 96.2 innings.

A's outfielder Coco Crisp has nine hits in 18 at-bats against Cobb in his career with a double and two home runs. Alberto Callaspo is hitless against the right-hander in 11 at-bats with a walk and a strikeout.

Jeff Samardzija made his fifth start for the A's against the Houston Astros last Tuesday and ended up with a no decision. He allowed four runs in 6.2 innings in that outing while striking out seven and walking two. His ERA is now 2.92 and he has only walked 2.2 batters per nine innings, which is the best walk rate of his career.

Rays shortstop Yunel Escobar is 1-for-2 against Samardzija in his career with a double and three RBI. Logan Forsythe is 0-for-7 against hm with no walks and four strikeouts.

Tampa Bay Rays Betting Trends

Tampa Bay Rays are 51-52-5 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Tampa Bay Rays is 0

Oakland Athletics Betting Trends

Oakland Athletics are 53-47-7 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Oakland Athletics is 1.5

Injuries to Watch

Tampa Bay Rays

08/01/14 P Tyler Skaggs Forearm 15-day DL (7/31)
07/24/14 2B Grant Green Back 15-day DL (7/20)
07/13/14 CF Collin Cowgill Thumb 15-day DL (7/12)
05/28/14 P Sean Burnett Elbow 15-day DL (5/29), out for season
05/12/14 3B Ian Stewart Hand 15-day DL (5/11)
04/17/14 P Ryan Brasier Elbow 60-day DL (3/21)
03/30/14 P Brian Moran Elbow 60-day DL (3/21)

Oakland Athletics

07/30/14 CF Coco Crisp Neck doubtful Friday vs Kansas City Royals
07/29/14 CF Craig Gentry Hand 15-day DL (7/28)
06/24/14 1B Kyle Blanks Calf 15-day DL (6/23)
04/04/14 SS Jake Elmore Quad 60-day DL (3/28)
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

Josh's Pick: Take Tampa Bay

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