Derek Holland (1-1, 3.68 ERA) and Mark Buehrle (13-6, 3.45 ERA) start in the first of a three-game series between the Texas Rangers (64-59) and the Toronto Blue Jays (69-55) at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Action begins at 8:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 25 and can be seen on RSN and FSSW.
Holland pitched 6.1 innings in his last outing, surrendering two runs and striking out six in a 7-2 win over the Mariners. Mitch Moreland (.287, 41 Rs, 18 HRs, 66 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 4 Sunday with two RBIs. Buehrle went 4.0 innings, surrendering four runs and striking out two in a 7-4 defeat to the Phillies in his most recent start. Josh Donaldson (.302, 95 Rs, 34 HRs, 100 RBIs, 4 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Blue Jays, going 2 for 5 Sunday with two runs.
The odds for Texas and Toronto are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently not available. Texas’s pitching staff has been doing better against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, only allowing an average of 2.7 runs per game, well under their season average of 4.6.
Offensively, they average 5.4 runs per game, which is tops in the AL. The Blue Jays are tough outs for opponents, ranking fourth in the AL with 8.9 hits per game. Toronto is excellent at drawing walks with 3.3 per game, ranking second in the AL.
The Blue Jays lead the season series, 2-1. The Rangers have a 23-22 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Buehrle takes the mound. Holland (LHP) will be on the hill against the Blue Jays, who have a 17-12 record against left-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – Tor
Notes
The Rangers are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Blue Jays have a 23-23 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Blue Jays are 11-44. The Rangers have a 15-46 record when opponents outhit them.
Texas ranks in the top 10 of the league at ninth when it comes to home runs, hitting 129 this season. Toronto ranks in the top five at second with 167.
Ranking sixth, Texas is in the top 10 of the league in hits, notching 8.68 per game. Toronto ranks in the top five at fourth with 8.90.
Toronto tops the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage of .780 this season. Texas ranks in the top half at 11th with an OPS of .728.
When the Blue Jays allow at least one home run, they are 39-40, well-matched with the Rangers who are 33-45 when allowing at least one homer.
