Wednesday, September 17, 2014

O.co Coliseum in Oakland

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Rookie right-hander Derek Holland (1-0) will make just his fourth start of the season when he and the Texas Rangers take on big right-hander Jeff Samardzija (4-5) and the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday night.

Derek Holland had another strong outing last week against the Atlanta Braves, but all he could get out of it was a no decision. He went seven innings in that game and gave up just one run on eight hits while walking no one and striking out six. Through three starts, Holland has a 0.86 ERA and he hasn't walked anyone in 21 innings of work.

A's infielder Alberto Callaspo has 13 hits in his 41 at-bats against Holland with six doubles, a home run and four RBI. Jed Lowrie is just 3-for-16 against him with no walks and four strikeouts.

Last Wednesday, Jeff Samardzija pitched seven scoreless innings against the Chicago White Sox on the road, but all he got out of the start was a no decision. In that game, he gave up six hits and struck out six batters while walking two. Samardzija now has a 3.10 ERA on the season and he has struck out 8.2 batters per nine innings.

Rangers outfielder Alex Rios has just one hit in nine at-bats against Samardzija in his career with no walks and two strikeouts. All of the other Rangers will be facing the right-hander for the first time on Tuesday.

Texas Rangers Betting Trends

Texas Rangers are 64-75-10 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Texas Rangers is -1

Oakland Athletics Betting Trends

Oakland Athletics are 70-70-9 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Oakland Athletics is 1.1

Injuries to Watch

Texas Rangers

09/12/14 P Scott Baker Tricep questionable
09/05/14 RF Alex Rios Thumb out indefinitely
08/29/14 LF James Adduci Concussion 15-day DL (9/12)
08/26/14 LF Shin-Soo Choo Elbow 60-day DL (8/26), out for season
08/13/14 P Yu Darvish Elbow 60-day DL (8/10); out for season
07/26/14 LF Jake Smolinski Foot 15-day DL (7/22)
06/11/14 P Tanner Scheppers Elbow 60-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)

Oakland Athletics

09/10/14 CF Craig Gentry Concussion out indefinitely
09/08/14 C Stephen Vogt Ankle out indefinitely
08/25/14 C John Jaso Concussion 15-day DL (9/8)
06/24/14 1B Kyle Blanks Calf 60-day DL (6/23)
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 Oakland

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