Texas at Detroit

Don't look now, but the Texas Rangers would be in the playoffs if the season ended going into action today. The Rangers have overcome a lot of injuries, in particular to their starting rotation, but their outlook got brighter when they acquired Cole Hamels. Hamels, however, has had difficulty adjusting to the American League, and he is winless in three starts with the Rangers where he has carried the burden of a 5.23 ERA. Hamels has been victimized by the long ball in those three starts, allowing five. Matt Boyd has been more effective as a starter than a reliever, and he should benefit from a Tigers attack that has been 39-18 in their last 57 vs. a left handed starter. The Tigers have been a winner five straight times after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous contest. Make the play on Detroit.