The Houston Astros (28-28) and Texas Rangers (19-37) play the first of their series Thursday at Globe Life Field with first pitch at 8:05 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Astros-Rangers MLB betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.
Astros at Rangers: Projected starting pitchers
RHP Cristian Javier vs. RHP Lance Lynn
Javier: 4-2, 3.33 ERA, 48 K, 48 2/3 IP, 11 games (9 starts)
- As a starter in 2020, Javier is 4-2 with a 3.55 ERA and 1.01 WHIP
- He has allowed more than two runs only twice this season and has not done so since August.
Lynn: 6-2, 2.53 ERA, 84 K, 78 1/3 IP, 12 starts
- His worst start of the season came against the Astros Sept. 3, when he allowed six runs in six innings.
- He has nine starts this season allowing two or fewer runs and pitching at least six innings.
Get some action on this game or any other matchup in the 2020 season with an MLB bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!
Astros at Rangers: Key injuries
(Get the latest injury news here.)
Astros
- RP Brad Peacock (shoulder) out
Rangers
- SS Elvis Andrus (back) out
- 1B Ronald Guzman (hamstring) questionable
Also see: BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball
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 8:00 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Rangers 5, Astros 3
Moneyline (ML)
The Astros come in at -134 and the Rangers at +120. Texas has lost three in a row and looks checked out for the season. However, with Lynn on the mound, they have a chance. Houston has been dreadful on the road at 8-20, while Texas is a respectable 13-13 at home. Take the underdog RANGERS +115.
New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Rangers to win returns a profit of $11.50.
Run line/Against the spread (ATS)
The Astros are favored at -1.5 but priced at +115, while the Rangers are +1.5 (-139). Houston is 12-16 ATS on the road, while Texas is 12-14 ATS at home. Since we expect the Rangers to win straight up, take the RANGERS +1.5 (-139).
Over/Under (O/U)
The total is set at 7.5 runs, which is very low. Four of Lynn’s last five starts have gone for more than seven runs combined and Texas’ games hit the Over 54% of the time. It will be close, but take the OVER 8 RUNS (-110).
Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.
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]