Texas Rangers at Oakland Athletics Free MLB Picks & Odds
by Josh Schonwald - 4/22/2014
Wednesday, April 23, 3:35 PM on FSSW, CSCA
O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California
Texas Rangers - Perez, M (3-0) vs. Oakland Athletics - Gray, S (3-0)
For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here
Something's got to give as Texas and Martin Perez (3-0) wrap up their AL West early-season battle with Sonny Gray (3-0) and the A's. Perez hasn't allowed a run in his last two outings including a complete game shutout against the White Sox on April 18th that required just 109 pitches. The 23-year-old left-hander has driven his ERA down from 4.50 after a 4 run outing against Boston to 1.86 where it stands before Wednesday's game.
Perez made two September starts against Oakland in 2013, allowing 1 run over 7 innings in a win and 3 runs spanning 6 1/3 in a loss. Perez has made 5 starts in his career against the A's, going 2-3 with a 5.79 ERA including 1-1 with a 4.09 ERA at Oakland-Alameda County Stadium.
Gray is coming into his own in just his second year in the big leagues. The 24-year-old pitcher was a little shaky last time out, allowing a career high 9 hits and a season-high 3 runs which could be attributed to having a 7-0 lead after the first inning. Gray's ERA “jumped” to 1.80 as he's allowed 5 runs in 25 innings.
Gray did not make an appearance against Texas in his rookie season last year and Wednesday will mark the first outing against the division rival. Only Rangers catcher J.P. Arencibia has faced Gray, going 0-2 last year with the Blue Jays.
Texas Rangers Betting Trends
Texas Rangers are 8-10-1 against the Over/Under
Run Differential for Texas Rangers is -0.3
Oakland Athletics Betting Trends
Oakland Athletics are 8-10-0 against the Over/Under
Run differential for Oakland Athletics is 1.8
Injuries to Watch
Texas Rangers
04/19/14 LF James Adduci Finger 15-day DL (4/19)
04/18/14 P Tanner Scheppers Elbow 15-day DL (4/18)
04/13/14 3B Adrian Beltre Quad 15-day DL (4/9)
04/08/14 P Joe Saunders Ankle 15-day DL (4/5)
03/31/14 C Geovany Soto Knee 60-day DL (3/30)
03/31/14 2B Jurickson Profar Shoulder 60-day DL (3/23)
03/31/14 P Matt Harrison Back 15-day DL (3/29)
03/28/14 P Derek Holland Knee 60-day DL (3/3)
03/28/14 RF Engel Beltre Leg 60-day DL (3/26)
03/28/14 P Joe Ortiz Foot 60-day DL (2/14)
Oakland Athletics
04/21/14 LF Yoenis Cespedes Foot questionable
04/04/14 SS Jake Elmore Quad 15-day DL (3/28)
03/30/14 P A.J. Griffin Elbow 15-day DL (3/21)
03/30/14 P Fernando Rodriguez Elbow 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 P Eric O'Flaherty Elbow 60-day DL (2/17)
03/28/14 P Jarrod Parker Elbow 60-day DL (3/20), out for season
Josh's Pick: Take Texas
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