DOING THE DOUGIE

Doug Fister has been great for Detroit this season. The righty is 3-0 with a 2.00 ERA delivering three straight quality starts. He had his shakiest start to open up the season giving up 3 runs and six hits in five innings pitched to the Yankees. He then allowed just 3 earned runs over his next three starts coming against Toronto, Seattle, and the Angels. Fister has kept the walks down as he has allowed only a total of six in those four outings. The Detroit starter made three starts last year against the NL giving up just 3 earned runs and 15 hits.

SOLID SOUTHPAW

Mike Minor is 3-1 with a 1.80 ERA on the year and he’s coming off a solid outing in Colorado against the Rockies. Minor has already had a taste of interleague play losing to the Royals at home despite giving up just 1 run and five hits in six innings. The reason he lost was the Braves’ offense that got shutout. Minor's control has been impeccable walking just three while striking out 21.

INJURY REPORT

The Braves are nowhere near full strength, especially in the lineup where they are without Jason Heyward and Brian McCann. Both hope to be back in May as Heyward deals with the appendectomy and McCann a shoulder ailment. On the pitching side, they are without Jonny Venters and Brandon Beachy. Venters may come back in May due to an elbow injury while Beachy could be out until late June due to Tommy John surgery. Detroit's injury report is a lot better although Justin Verlander's cracked skin injury may bear watching. We shall see if it crops up again making things more difficult for him. Octavio Dotel is on the DL with right elbow inflammation while Phil Coke has a groin strain.

TRENDS

Braves are 8-1 in their last 9 Sunday games

Braves are 4-1 in Minor's last 5 road starts

Tigers are 48-21 in their last 69 Sunday games

Tigers are 10-4 in Fister’s last 14 starts

HITTERS TO WATCH

BJ Upton 0-for-5 vs. Fister

Ramiro Pena 1-for-2 vs. Fister

Prince Fielder 3-for-3 vs. Minor

Omar Infante 4-for-12 vs. Minor

Sniper Wes - Sniper Wes 30-day ALL SPORTS PASS Are you tired of sitting on the sidelines while others cash in on their sports bets? Sniper Wes is here to help you with his unparalleled advice that's designed to HELP YOU WIN! His 30-day all sports subscription is perfect for getting a month of plays to get started with the action. He has a PROVEN track record in MULTIPLE sports that comes from years of experience analyzing odds and trends. This expert is ready to share his insights WITH YOU! Invest in your success. Invest with one of the best. GUARANTEED TO WIN or you get another 30-day subscription FREE!