Washington Nationals at Houston Astros Free MLB Picks & Odds
by Tony Sink - 4/29/2014
Wednesday, April 30, 8:10 PM on MAS2, CSNH
Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
Washington Nationals - Zimmermann, J (1-1) vs. Houston Astros - Oberholtzer, B (0-4)
For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here
The Nationals as a team have the 8th best ERA in baseball but right-hander Jordan Zimmerman (1-1) hasn't been much help to that cause. He'll look to get back into good graces against the league's worst hitting offense as the Astros counter with Brett Oberholtzer (0-4). Zimmerman had completed 7 innings in each of his first two starts before the last outing, where he gave up 3 runs on just 5 hits in a 3-4 loss to the Padres. Zimmerman's ERA climbed to 4.05 on the season in 5 starts.
Career-wise Zimmerman is 1-2 in 4 starts against Houston. The pitcher has faced the Astros on the road 3 times, giving up 10 runs in 17.1 innings at Minute Maid Park. Houston CF Dexter Fowler has the most experience against Zimmerman but has struck out in 4 of his 10 at bats.
Oberholtzer is still looking for that elusive first win of 2014 in his second year in the big leagues. The left-hander's last outing was disappointing, as he allowed 6 runs in 3.2 innings while throwing 93 pitches. Prior to that Olberholtzer was sharp, allowing only 1 run each to AL West stalwarts Oakland and Texas in back to back starts. Oakland got their revenge in the April 24th rematch, pushing Oberholtzer's ERA to 4.61 on the year.
Oberholtzer has faced only one Washington batter in his life with LF Nate McLouth going 0-3 last year as a member of the Orioles.
Washington Nationals Betting Trends
Washington Nationals are 15-9-2 against the Over/Under
Run Differential for Washington Nationals is 0.4
Houston Astros Betting Trends
Houston Astros are 12-13-1 against the Over/Under
Run differential for Houston Astros is -1.8
Injuries to Watch
Washington Nationals
04/28/14 2B Danny Espinosa Knee questionable
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)
04/06/14 LF Scott Hairston Oblique 15-day DL (4/6)
04/02/14 C Wilson Ramos Hand 15-day DL (4/1)
03/30/14 P Doug Fister Back 15-day DL (3/23)
03/29/14 P Ross Ohlendorf Back 60-day DL (3/26)
03/28/14 P Erik Davis Elbow 60-day DL (2/13)
Houston Astros
04/26/14 P Matt Albers Shoulder 15-day DL (4/22)
04/21/14 P Scott Feldman Bicep 15-day DL (4/21)
03/31/14 P Alex White Elbow 15-day DL (3/21)
03/31/14 P Asher Wojcie Side 15-day DL (3/21)
03/31/14 P Jesse Crain Bicep 15-day DL (3/21)
Tony's Pick: Take Washington
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