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The Texas Rangers (59-42) and the Houston Astros (57-44) play the middle contest of a 3-game series Tuesday at Minute Maid Park in Houston. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Rangers vs. Astros odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Astros leads 5-3 after beating the Rangers 10-9 on Monday
The Rangers have dropped 3 of the last 4 games overall, including Monday’s series opener, as the team’s lead in the American League West Division has dwindled to just 2 games. The Over has cashed in 4 straight games for Texas.
Rangers RHP Nathan Eovaldi was expected to start Tuesday, but manager Bruce Bochy announced Sunday that the veteran’s turn would be skipped to give him extra rest. The team’s top pitching prospect, RHP Owen White, was recalled from the minors Sunday, and is likely to get the starting nod. White made his major league debut June 13, allowing 3 ER, 4 H and 1 BB in 2 IP of relief against the Los Angeles Angels.
The Astros have racked up 5 wins in the last 6 games to pull closer to the top spot in the AL West. Houston has won 6 of the last 9 games at home, while going 21-7 in the past 28 games inside the division. The Under is 4-2 in the last 6 games for the Astros, although the Over is 4-2-1 in the last 7 meetings with the Rangers.
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Rangers at Astros projected starters
RHP Owen White vs. RHP J.P. France
White (1-0, 3.94 – Triple-A Round Rock). He has a 1.31 WHIP, 5.6 BB/9, 5.1 K/9 in 16 IP in 4 starts for the Express. He makes his 1st MLB start.
- Last MLB appearance (relief): 2 IP, 3 ER, 4 H (1 HR), 1 BB, 2 K in a 7-3 home loss vs. the Los Angeles Angels June 13
France (5-3, 3.13 ERA) makes his 14th start. He has a 1.24 WHIP, 2.6 BB/9 and 6.4 K/9 in 77 2/3 innings.
- Last start: Win, 7 IP, 1 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 5 K in a 3-1 road win vs. the Oakland Athletics Thursday
- 2023 home splits: 1-1, 4.91 ERA (29 1/3 IP, 16 ER – 7 HR), .252 OBA in 5 starts
Rangers at Astros odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:43 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rangers +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Astros -135 (bet $135 win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers +1.5 (-175) | Astros -1.5 (+145)
- Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: -120 | U: +100)
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Rangers at Astros picks and predictions
Prediction
Astros 7, Rangers 5
Moneyline
The ASTROS (-135) are worth playing on the moneyline, as Houston is playing great baseball lately, especially inside the division. The wheels haven’t quite come off yet for the Rangers (+115), but Bochy’s curious decision to rest the team’s best pitcher is likely going to cost the team another game in this tightening divisional race.
Run line/Against the spread
The ASTROS -1.5 (+145 ) should be played lightly on the run line in this critical middle contest of the 3-game set.
Houston comes with plenty of risk in a run line play. It scratched out the 1-run win in Monday’s high-scoring affair, and it is just 3-6 on the run line as a favorite in the last 9 tries. Still, against an unproven pitcher making his 1st-ever start, Houston could potentially tee off.
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Over/Under
OVER 9 (-120) might be the best play on the board.
Yes, there is no sample size for White, as he makes his 1st career start. However, the Over is 3-1 in the last 4 assignments for France, and the Over has cashed in 2 straight meetings between these Lone Star State rivals, while going 7-5 in the last 12 at home for the Astros.
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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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