Saturday, April 5, 7:10 PM on FSSW, SUN

Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida

Texas - Martinez, N (0-0) vs. Tampa Bay - Price, D (1-0)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Saturday night the Texas Rangers will send rookie pitcher Nick Martinez to the hill to face veteran Tampa Bay Rays left-hander David Price.  Martinez will be making his major league debut and Price will be starting his second game of the season.

The young Nick Martinez was an 18th round pick of the Rangers back in 2011.  Despite a rough year in 2012, his numbers in the minors have been consistent.  In three seasons, he started 56 games and came away with a 23 – 16 record and an ERA of 3.30.  293 strikeouts to just 100 walks was a decent strikeout to walk ratio but it’s important to note that he never went higher than AA ball.  Major league hitters will be a lot tougher to face and it will be interesting to see how Martinez handles it. Since this is his first start in the majors, he has yet to see any of the Tampa Bay hitters that he will face. 

By contrast, David Price has been around awhile.  Now in his 7th season with the Rays, Price posted a 10 - 8 record in 27 starts last season with an ERA of 3.33.  2013 could have been better considering the numbers he posted in prior years.  His walks were down to 27 (from 59 in 2012) but strikeouts were down too from 205 in 2012 to 157 last season.  

Given his experience in the majors, Price has seen his fair share of the Rangers.  Alex Rios has faced Price the most and has had the most success.  In 27 plate appearances, Rios has 11 hits and 8 RBIs along with a lusty .407 average.    

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 

04/03/14 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)

Josh's Pick: Take Tampa Bay

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