Tampa Bay Rays at Texas Rangers 8/14/2014 Free MLB Picks & Predictions
by Josh Schonwald - 8/13/2014
Thursday, August 14, 2014, 8:05 PM on SUN, FSSW
Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
Tampa Bay Rays - Odorizzi, J (8-9) vs. Texas Rangers - Darvish, Y (10-7)
For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here
Tampa Bay Rays starter Jake Odorizzi (8-9) will try to win his fifth game in six starts on Thursday night when he takes on right-hander Yu Darvish (10-7) and the Texas Rangers.
Jake Odorizzi pitched six scoreless innings against the Chicago Cubs on the road last Saturday and came away with the win. He gave up just three hits in that outing and struck out nine batters while walking no one. He was able to lower his ERA to 3.89 with that win and he has now struck out 139 batters in 122.2 innings.
Rangers outfielder Shin-Soo Choo has two hits in his seven at-bats against Odorizzi with a walk and a strikeout. The Rangers' hitters have hit a combined 3-for-20 against Odorizzi with no extra-base hits.
Last weekend, Yu Darvish only made it through four innings against the Houston Astros and ended up suffering his seventh loss of the season. He gave up six runs (five earned) on nine base hits that day while walking four batters and striking out seven. He has struck out 11.3 batters per nine innings this year and now has a 3.06 ERA.
Rays shortstop Yunel Escobar has just two hits in 13 at-bats against Darvish in his career with a walk and three strikeouts. Third baseman Evan Longoria is 2-for-11 against him with a double, a walk and a strikeout.
Tampa Bay Rays Betting Trends
Tampa Bay Rays are 55-57-6 against the Over/Under
Run Differential for Tampa Bay Rays is 0.1
Texas Rangers Betting Trends
Texas Rangers are 55-56-7 against the Over/Under
Run differential for Texas Rangers is -1
Injuries to Watch
Tampa Bay Rays
08/12/14 CF Kevin Kiermaier Back questionable
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)
Texas Rangers
08/11/14 RF Alex Rios Ankle questionable
07/26/14 LF Jake Smolinski Foot 15-day DL (7/22)
06/11/14 P Tanner Scheppers Elbow 15-day DL (6/11)
06/10/14 1B Mitch Moreland Ankle 15-day DL (6/8)
06/04/14 P Alexi Ogando Elbow 60-day DL (6/3)
06/04/14 P Matt Harrison Back 60-day DL (5/14), out for season
05/22/14 1B Prince Fielder Neck 60-day DL (5/17)
05/21/14 P Martin Perez Elbow 60-day DL (5/11)
04/25/14 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff Back 60-day DL (4/23); out for season
04/23/14 P Pedro Figueroa Elbow 60-day DL (4/23)
03/31/14 2B Jurickson Profar Shoulder 60-day DL (3/23)
03/28/14 RF Engel Beltre Leg 60-day DL (3/26)
Josh's Pick: Take Texas
Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here
Read more articles by Josh Schonwald
Get all of Today's Free MLB Picks
Get all of Today's Expert MLB Picks