Friday, April 4, 7:10 PM on KTXA, SUN

Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida

Texas - Saunders, J (0-0) vs. Tampa Bay - Odorizzi, J (0-0)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Joe Saunders will be making his first start as a member of the Texas Rangers when they take on Jake Odorizzi and the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night. Saunders had possibly his worst season of his 9-year career in 2013, posting a 5.26 ERA in 183 innings for the Mariners. He gave up a whopping 232 hits and struck out just 107 batters on the year. The Rangers will be hoping that their elite defense will help Saunders get back to pitching like he did a few years ago.

James Loney has faced Saunders 31 times in his career and has a batting line of .276/.323/.517 with 2 HR and 6 RBI. David DeJesus hasn't had as much success against the veteran, getting just four hits in 22 career plate appearances and striking out four times.

24-year-old Jake Odorizzi is hoping to have his first full season in the Rays' rotation this year after getting just four starts in 2013. He comes into the the season as a top 100 prospect and will be hoping to replicate the high strikeout rate that he had in his six years in the minors.

Rays right fielder Shin-Soo Choo is the only player on the roster who has faced Odorizzi in his career. In five career plate appearances, Choo has two hits and a walk against the righty.

Texas Betting Trends

Texas is 1-2-0 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Texas is -0.7

Tampa Bay Betting Trends

Tampa Bay is 1-2-0 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Tampa Bay is +0.7

Injuries to Watch

Texas 

03/31/14 P Yu Darvish Neck 15-day DL (3/21), expected to be activated & start Sunday
03/31/14 C Geovany Soto Knee 60-day DL (3/30)
03/31/14 2B Jurickson Profar Shoulder 15-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)

Tampa Bay 

04/02/14 LF David DeJesus Foot questionable
03/30/14 P Juan Oviedo Elbow 15-day DL (3/30)
03/30/14 2B Tim Beckham Knee 15-day DL (3/30)
03/28/14 P Jeremy Hellickson Elbow 15-day DL (3/30)

Tony's Pick: Take Texas

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