Free MLB Picks: Chicago White Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays: July 22nd 2009

Free Pick: Tampa Bay Rays (-132)
Wed July 22nd 2009 8:10p
Visit Touthouse.com for more Free MLB picks from Mike Rose

“Big game” James was simply out of character against Kansas City in his initial start out of the break getting tagged for seven ER’s on 11 hits in just 5.1 innings of work. It was the first time in two-plus months that he failed to go at least six innings. The Rays are an even 10-10 in his 20 ‘09 starts, but they’re a poor 3-6 in his nine starts as a visitor where he owns a 4.60 ERA & 1.36 WHIP. Tampa’s a perfect 3-0 in his L/3 starts against Chicago, and in his career vs. the White Sox, he’s 1-1 with a 4.94 ERA.

Making his big league debut for the Palehose will be Carlos Torres. He gets the call to the bump due to John Danks’ blister problems on his throwing hand. This is more than likely a spot start with Bartolo Colon scheduled to make his return from the minors in a doubleheader on Friday. The righty owns an 8-4 record with a 2.20 ERA and K/BB ratio of 96/38 through 98 total minor league innings of work this season. Carlos earned his “next guy in line role” by working hard in the system and getting elected to the Triple-A All Star game.

With staff ace Mark Buehrle scheduled to go in the series finale on Thursday, look for Manager John Maddon to have his men extremely motivated to win tonight’s game. They were lucky to steal last night’s game, but they hold a major advantage in G3 with Shields opposing a kid making his big league debut. Tuesday night’s loss was simply demoralizing and I’m not so sure Chicago will be able to bounce back from it. Look for Shields to bring his “A” game especially since he got lit up his last time out, and for the Rays offense to finally go off in this series.