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The Houston Astros (77-61) and the Texas Rangers (76-60) open a 3-game series Monday at Globe Life Park. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Astros vs. Rangers odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Astros lead 6-4
The Astros head to Arlington with their tails between their legs after a stunning 3-game sweep at home at the hands of the New York Yankees. It was especially shocking considering Houston entered the series on a 5-game win streak.
The Rangers salvaged the final game of a 3-game series against the Minnesota Twins, winning 6-5 on Sunday after dropping the 1st 2 contests. Texas pitching has struggled lately, allowing 5 or more runs in 4 straight games, cashing the Over in 3 of the outings.
Astros at Rangers projected starters
RHP J.P. France vs. LHP Andrew Heaney
France (10-5, 3.49 ERA) makes his 20th start and 21st overall appearance. He has a 1.29 WHIP, 2.6 BB/9 and 6.7 K/9 in 116 innings.
- Last start: Win, 5 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 1 BB and 3 K in a 6-2 road win vs. the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday
- 2023 road splits: 6-2, 2.04 ERA (57 1/3 IP, 13 ER), 4 HR, .245 opponent batting average (OBA) in 9 starts and 1 relief appearance
- 2023 vs. Texas: Win, 7 IP, 1 R (0 ER), 5 H, 2 BB, 3 K in a 4-3 home win July 25
Heaney (9-6, 4.16 ERA) makes his 27th start. He has a 1.35 WHIP, 3.5 BB/9 and 9.5 K/9 in 127 2/3 innings.
- Last start: No-decision, 5 1/3 IP, 0 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 7 K in a 2-1 road win vs. the New York Mets on Tuesday
- 2023 home splits: 6-3, 4.30 ERA (73 1/3 IP, 35 ER), 10 HR, .254 OBA in 15 starts
- 2023 vs. Houston: 1-0, 1.80 ERA (15 IP, 3 ER), 1 HR, .173 OBA in 3 starts
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Astros at Rangers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:57 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Astros -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Rangers -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Astros -1.5 (+145) | Rangers +1.5 (-175)
- Over/Under (O/U): 9.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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Astros at Rangers picks and predictions
Prediction
Astros 4, Rangers 3
The ASTROS (-110) are worth a look in the series opener. While Houston is reeling after getting swept by the Bronx Bombers, the ‘Stros have had the number of the Rangers (-110) for years. This season is no exception, as Houston has won 6 of the 10 meetings so far.
Run line/Against the spread
The RANGERS +1.5 (-175) are worth a look on the run line, although I don’t trust them because the pitching has been sideways lately.
The Astros -1.5 (+145) have won 4 of the last 5 meetings with the Rangers, although their last 3 victories have been by a single run each.
Over/Under
UNDER 9.5 (-115) might be the best play on the board.
The Under went 2-1-1 in the previous 4 meetings in Arlington this season from June 30-July 3. France has a minuscule ERA on the road this season, and Heaney has done a strong job keeping the Houston bats quiet in 3 starts.
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