The Texas Rangers (48-61) and the Houston Astros (71-40) square off in the middle contest of a 3-game set Wednesday. First pitch from Minute Maid Park is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Rangers vs. Astros odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Season series: Astros lead 9-3
The Rangers equaled the Astros in the hits category in the series opener Tuesday but were on the short end of a 7-5 loss as the Over connected.
The Astros bounced back from a 1-0 loss in the series finale in Cleveland for a 7-spot. Houston has posted 6 or more runs in 4 of the previous 6 outings.
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Rangers at Astros projected starters
RHP Glenn Otto vs. RHP Justin Verlander
Otto (4-8, 5.31 ERA) makes his 17th start. He has a 1.41 WHIP, 4.5 BB/9 and 7.4 K/9 through 78 IP.
- Has posted a 2-4 record with a 4.02 ERA with a sparkling .221 opponent batting average across 40 1/3 IP over 8 road starts.
- Is 0-1 with a 3.48 ERA across 10 1/3 IP in 2 starts against the Astros in 2022.
Verlander (15-3, 1.73 ERA) makes his 21st start. He has a 0.85 WHIP, 1.6 BB/9 and 8.8 K/9 through 130 IP.
- Is 4-0 with a 0.68 ERA with 29 K and a .179 opponent BA across 26 2/3 IP across his past 4 outings.
- Has posted a 2-0 record with 0.69 ERA and .208 opponent BA with 16 K across 13 IP in 2 starts against the Rangers this season.
Rangers at Astros odds and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:32 a.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Rangers +250 (bet $100 to win $250) | Astros -320 (bet $320 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers +2.5 (-130) | Astros -2.5 (+105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Rangers at Astros picks and predictions
Prediction
Astros 7, Rangers 1
Money line
The Astros (-320) would cost you over 3 times your potential return on the money line. Over the long term that’s a terrible betting strategy, as one could go 3-1 betting that type of line 4 times and still be in the red.
AVOID.
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Run line/Against the spread
The ASTROS -2.5 (+105) are worth a roll of the dice laying the runs, as Verlander has just been that good this season. The Houston offense should be able to get to Otto early and provide its Cy Young candidate with more than enough offensive support.
Over/Under
The OVER 7.5 (-110) is worth playing rather lightly.
Sure, Verlander has allowed next to nothing lately, and the Under is 7-1 across his past 8 starts — the Rangers won’t be able to do much against him. However, the Astros offense should be able to get to Otto, perhaps even taking care of the Over on their own.
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