MLB Stat Check
By Bodog
Roy Oswalt pitched for the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday, but he was back on the field Tuesday night. What gives? Oswalt was used as an emergency substitute for Ryan Howard, who was ejected in the 14th inning of Philly’s matchup with the Houston Astros. Oswalt played left field and made a putout, but he also grounded out with two men on in the 16th as Houston prevailed 4-2. He’s the first pitcher to play the field for Philadelphia since Bill Wilson in 1971. Let’s see what other gems are out there in our latest 10-spot of baseball stats and factoids; all times are Eastern, and Bodog Sports is your source for the latest MLB odds.
1. Oakland at Cleveland (Wednesday, 7:05 p.m.)
The UNDER is 22-7-2 in the last 31 starts for Oakland pitcher Trevor Cahill (2.54 ERA, 0.99 WHIP), and 6-0 in his last six. Cahill has allowed a combined six runs during this streak.
2. Minnesota at Texas (Wednesday, 8:05 p.m., ESPN2)
The Rangers are just 1-10 in their last 11 games with the total set between seven and 8.5 runs.
3. Arizona at San Diego (Thursday, 6:35 p.m.)
San Diego is 24-8 in its last 32 home games against teams with a road record worse than .400. The Diamondbacks go into Wednesday’s action at 19-41 away (.317).
4. St. Louis at Washington (Thursday, 7:05 p.m., MLBN)
Right-hander Jordan Zimmermann will reportedly get the start for Washington on Thursday in place of the injured Stephen Strasburg. Zimmerman made 16 starts as a rookie last year with a competent 4.63 ERA and 1.36 WHIP.
5. Florida at Atlanta (Friday, 7:35 p.m., MLBN)
The Marlins are 7-1 in their last eight road games against teams with a home record better than .600. Atlanta is 44-17 (.721) at Turner Field this year.
6. L.A. Dodgers at Colorado (Friday, 9:10 p.m.)
Catcher Rod Barajas hit a three-run homer Tuesday in his first game with the Dodgers, driving home the winning runs in a 5-3 final over the Milwaukee Brewers. Barajas (.709 OPS, 13 HR) was claimed off waivers from the New York Mets.
7. Detroit at Toronto (Saturday, 1:07 p.m.)
The OVER is 21-13 this year when Rogers Centre (the former SkyDome) has the roof open. Saturday’s forecast calls for clear skies and temperatures approaching 80 degrees.
8. Philadelphia at San Diego (Saturday, 4:10 p.m., FOX)
Phillies starter Joe Blanton (5.32 ERA, 1.43 ERA) has seen his BABIP (Batting Average on Balls in Play) increase from .302 last year to .336. The OVER is 14-6-1 in his 21 starts.
9. N.Y. Yankees at Chicago White Sox (Sunday, 2:15 p.m., TBS)
The Yankees (78-48, 4.53 units) lead the majors with a run differential of plus-167. That’s five more runs than their margin at the end of the 2009 campaign. The White Sox (68-57, 7.93 units) are at plus-63.
10. Boston at Tampa Bay (Sunday, 8:00 p.m., ESPN)
Detroit Tigers outfielder Johnny Damon (.770 OPS) has decided not to waive his no-trade clause and return to the Red Sox. The injury-riddled Sox started Daniel Nava, Ryan Kalish and J.D. Drew in the outfield Monday against the Seattle Mariners and won 6-3.