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The Los Angeles Angels (58-81) and Texas Rangers (67-73) begin a 4-game series Thursday. First pitch from Globe Life Field is set for 8:05 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Angels vs. Rangers odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Tied 3-3
Angels starter Griffin Canning was lights out on Wednesday against the crosstown rival LA Dodgers. He allowed 1 ER in 6 2/3 IP (4 H, 7 K) in a 10-1 win. CF Mickey Moniak had a 3-run HR and LF Taylor Ward went 3-for-4 with a HR, 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored. The Angels hit the road for 7 games after going 3-2 over their homestand.
The Rangers got to New York Yankees starter Marcus Stroman early and often on Wednesday and chased him after 3 2/3 IP (5 ER, 9 H, 1 BB, 3 K) in a 10-6 win. RF Adolis Garcia had a bases clearing double, LF Wyatt Langford and 2B Ezequiel Duran each had 3 hits and 2 RBIs and 1B Nathaniel Lowe had 3 hits and a RBI. Texas has won 7 of its last 10 games.
Angels at Rangers projected starters
RHP Jack Kochanowicz vs. LHP Cody Bradford
Kochanowicz (2-3, 4.96 ERA) makes his 7th career start. He has a 1.41 WHIP, 1.9 BB/9 and 3.3 K/9 in 32 2/3 IP.
- Last start: Win, 6 IP, 0 ER, 5 H, 0 BB, 4 K in 3-0 road victory against Detroit Tigers Aug. 29
- 2024 away splits: 2-1, 4.56 ERA (23 1/3 IP, 12 ER), 1.23 WHIP, 4.2 K/9 in 4 starts
- First time facing Rangers
Bradford (4-2, 3.21 ERA) makes his 10th start and 11th appearance. He has a 0.89 WHIP, 1.3 BB/9 and 8.4 K/9 in 56 IP.
- Last start: No-decision, 7 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 0 BB, 8 K in 3-2 home victory against Oakland A’s Saturday
- 2024 home splits: 3-1, 2.72 ERA (43 IP, 14 R (13 ER), 0.79 WHIP, 8.4 K/9 in 7 starts
- Career vs Angels: 0-1, 7.56 ERA (8 1/3 IP, 7 ER), 1.23 WHIP, 6.7 K/9 in 2 starts
Who’s going yard? Here’s a breakdown of today’s best home run props with our top picks. Include the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE to score a $1,500 first-bet offer.
Angels at Rangers odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:38 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Angels +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Rangers -154 (bet $154 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread: Angels +1.5 (-156) | Rangers -1.5 (+130)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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Angels at Rangers picks and predictions
Prediction
Rangers 6, Angels 3
Moneyline
PASS.
The Rangers (-154) will take the opener of this series in Arlington, but I’d rather put my wager on the run line.
Run line/Against the spread
BET RANGERS -1.5 (+130).
The Rangers are finding their groove at just the right time, making them a strong pick on the run line against the Angels. They’re 4-2 on a 10-game homestand and with wins in 7 of their last 9 games, including a series win over the Yankees, Texas is now 38-33 at home. Plus, the Rangers have covered the spread in 4 of their last 5 games.
On the flip side, the Angels are limping toward the finish line, with their team batting average dropping every month. They’ve hit just .213 in August and are batting .219 as a team since the All-Star break. For the defending champs who are 81/2 games out of the last AL Wild card spot, every win is crucial if they want to make a postseason push and dropping games at home to a struggling Angels squad is simply not an option. Back the Rangers to cover the run line in this matchup.
Over/Under
PASS.
My lean is the Over because the Rangers have hit it in 5 of their last 6 games but besides that, the trends don’t feel right. I’d rather focus my attention on the run line.
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