Friday, May 30, 7:05 PM on KTXA, MASN

Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia

Texas Rangers - Lewis, C (4-3) vs. Washington Nationals - Strasburg, S (3-4)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Friday night, the Texas Rangers will take the field behind Colby Lewis as they take on the Washington Nationals and Stephen Strasburg.  It will be the 9th start for Lewis and the 12th for Strasburg.

Colby Lewis improved his record to 4 – 3 and lowered his ERA to 5.10 after winning his last start.  In that outing, Lewis allowed 2 runs on 5 hits in 5.2 innings of work as he walked 5 and struck out 2.  And for the 3rd straight start, Lewis threw over 104 pitches.   A pitch count that high still early in the season can’t be good for a pitcher that missed all of 2013 with elbow and hip injuries.  Lewis went 6 – 6 with an ERA of 3.43 in 16 starts during his last full season in 2012.

In 2012, Lewis didn’t face the Nationals and he has only seen 3 of their hitters in his career.  Washington’s Jayson Werth is 1 for 1 with a homer and 3 RBIs against the right-hander.

Stephen Strasburg saw his record fall to 3 – 4 and his ERA rise slightly to 3.42 after he took a loss in his last outing.  In that start, Strasberg allowed 3 runs on 7 hits (including a home run) in 7 innings with 2 walks and 7 strikeouts.   At this pace, Strasberg might just match last season’s numbers when he went 8 – 9 with an ERA of 3.00 in 30 starts.

In 2013, Strasberg didn’t face the Rangers and he has only opposed 6 of their hitters in his career.   He has held those 6 hitters to a .211 batting average with 4 hits, a home run and 3 RBIs in 19 at-bats.      

Texas Rangers Betting Trends

Texas Rangers are 24-23-5 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Texas Rangers is -0.2

Washington Nationals Betting Trends

Washington Nationals are 24-20-7 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Washington Nationals is 0.1

Injuries to Watch

Texas Rangers

05/22/14 1B Prince Fielder Neck 15-day DL (5/17)
05/21/14 P Martin Perez Elbow 60-day DL (5/11)
05/14/14 P Matt Harrison Back 15-day DL (5/14)
04/25/14 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff Back 15-day DL (4/23)
04/23/14 P Pedro Figueroa Elbow 60-day DL (4/23)
04/19/14 LF James Adduci Finger 15-day DL (4/19)
04/18/14 P Tanner Scheppers Elbow 15-day DL (4/18)
03/31/14 C Geovany Soto Knee 60-day DL (3/30)
03/31/14 2B Jurickson Profar Shoulder 60-day DL (3/23)
03/28/14 RF Engel Beltre Leg 60-day DL (3/26)
03/28/14 P Joe Ortiz Foot 60-day DL (2/14)

Washington Nationals

05/18/14 P Gio Gonzalez Shoulder 15-day DL (5/17)
05/16/14 CF Eury Perez Toe 60-day DL (5/15)
04/27/14 LF Bryce Harper Thumb 15-day DL (4/26)
04/13/14 3B Ryan Zimmerman Thumb 15-day DL (4/13)
04/13/14 LF Jeff Kobernus Hand 60-day DL (4/12)
03/29/14 P Ross Ohlendorf Back 60-day DL (3/26)
03/28/14 P Erik Davis Elbow 60-day DL (2/13)

Tony's Pick: Take Washington

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