By Stephen Nover
Tigers plus $1.42 at Twins
The gutted Twins aren’t much better now than the Tigers. Ervin Santana has yet to regain his full velocity since returning from finger surgery on July 25 after being out until then.
So a nice plus price is ripe to take a shot with the Tigers, who are starting veteran lefty Francisco Liriano.
Santana has made four starts. He has yet to win and owns a 6.53 ERA. The 35-year-old just lost to Detroit during his previous start giving up five runs in six innings this past Friday. The Tigers got to him for a pair of homers. Santana’s fastball was clocked three-to-four mph lower than his normal range before the injury.
Liriano pitched for Minnesota from 2005-2012. This is the first time in three years he is facing his former team so he won’t lack motivation. The Tigers own a solid edge in late inning relief pitchers. The Twins are 15-18 versus southpaw starters this season.
The Tigers have a strong history, too, at Minnesota winning 17 of the past 23 times there.
(Editor’s note: Stephen Nover also has a Top Ticket Thursday baseball play and his first preseason NFL game going today. If you’re interested in his sports service, please message him, or email at scriber26@gmail.com.)
