The Houston Astros (29-28) are playing the intrastate, division rival Texas Rangers (19-38) in the second game of a four-game series at Globe Life Field. The first pitch is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Astros-Rangers MLB betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.
Season series: Houston leads 5-2.
Playoff picture: The Astros clinch a playoff berth and second place in the AL West with a win over the Rangers. Houston’s magic number is one.
Astros at Rangers: Projected starting pitchers
RHP Jose Urquidy vs. RHP Kyle Cody
Urquidy: 1-1 with a 2.78 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 4.8 K/9 and 3.2 BB/9 in 22 2/3 IP over 4 GS.
- Last start (Sept. 20): No-decision with 6 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 2 K and 2 BB in a 3-2 Astros win versus the Arizona Diamondbacks.
- This is Urquidy’s second season in the majors, and he has started two games against the Rangers. He’s 2-0 with 14 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 16 K and 0 BB (both were home games).
Cody: 1-1 with a 1.53 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 8.7 K/9 and 5.1 BB/9 in 17 2/3 IP over 7 games (4 starts).
- Last start (Sept. 20): Win, 7-2, with 5 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 5 K and 0 BB at the Los Angeles Angels.
- Cody is in his rookie season and has only one start against the Astros. It was a no-decision in which he pitched three innings, giving up one earned run and four hits with one strikeout and two walks.
Place your legal baseball wagers in CO, IN, NJ and WV at BetMGM. Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!
Astros at Rangers: Key injuries
(Get the latest injury news here.)
Astros
- RP Brad Peacock (shoulder) out
- OF Yordan Alvarez (knee) out
- RP Roberto Osuna (elbow) out
Rangers
- SS Elvis Andrus (back) out
- OF Shin-Soo Choo (hand) out
- OF Danny Santana (elbow) out
- RP Jose Leclerc (shoulder) out
Astros at Rangers: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 11:40 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Astros 6, Rangers 1
Money line (ML)
The Astros (-182) are an expensive favorite despite having an abysmal road record this season (9-20) because they can smell the postseason. The Rangers (+165) are struggling to end their 2020, losing 12-4 last night to the Astros, and they’ve lost seven of their last eight games overall.
It’s a clinch-game for Houston and Texas is probably worried about its offseason plans. It’s a square angle but the Astros’ motivation edge is too strong.
If the run line was cheaper I’d avoid the money line and chase the value, but since you have to eat chalk to bet Houston minus a run and a half, let’s just BET ASTROS (-182) on the money line.
New to sports betting? A $182 bet on the Astros (-182) pays a $100 profit if Houston beats Texas.
Run line/Against the spread (ATS)
PASS ON THE RUN LINE because the Astros -1.5 (-121) are a bad road team (13-16 on the run line in away game). Second, four of the seven Astros-Rangers games this season have been decided by one run. Third, Houston is 17-20 RL vs. divisional foes.
Over/Under (O/U)
Let’s source a few trends to explain why we lean UNDER 9 (-110):
- The Under is 9-3 in the last 12 Astros-Rangers meetings.
- The Under is 4-0 in Urquidy’s last four starts with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
- The Under is 6-1 in the Rangers’ last seven games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
A “lean” is not necessarily a bet. Proceed at your own caution.
Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow @Geoffery_Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]