The Oakland Athletics (29-58) and the Texas Rangers (39-44) open a 3-game set Monday at Globe Life Field. First pitch is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Athletics vs. Rangers odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Season series: Rangers lead series 5-2
The Athletics dropped 2 of 3 games over the weekend against the Astros, and Oakland is now just 4-9 across the past 13 outings. The Under is 8-1 across the past 9 games overall.
The Rangers took 2 of 3 games from the Minnesota Twins over the weekend, bouncing back from a 3-game sweep in Baltimore from July 4-6. The Over is 5-1 across the past 6 games for Texas.
Athletics vs. Rangers projected starters
RHP Adrian Martinez vs. RHP Spencer Howard
Martinez (2-1, 6.00 ERA) makes his 4th start of the season. He has a 1.40 WHIP, 1.2 BB/9 and 6.6 K/9 through 15 IP.
- Is 1-1 with a 6.30 ERA and .282 opponent batting average in 10 IP across 2 road outings.
- Allowed 3 ER, 8 H and 0 BB with 5 K across 5 IP in a win against the Toronto Blue Jays last time out Tuesday.
Howard (0-1, 10.97 ERA) makes his 3rd start of the season, and 5th overall appearance. He has a 1.88 WHIP, 3.4 BB/9 and 11.8 K/9 through 10 2/3 IP.
- Was tuned up for 4 ER, 6 H and 2 BB in a 68-pitch effort across 4 IP in a no-decision at Baltimore Tuesday.
- Has failed to work longer than 4 IP in either of his 2 starts so far.
Athletics vs. Rangers 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 7:45 a.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Athletics +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Rangers -180 (bet $180 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Athletics +1.5 (-135) | Rangers -1.5 (+110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 9.5 (O: +105 | U: -130)
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Athletics vs. Rangers picks and predictions
Prediction
Rangers 8, Athletics 5
Money line
The RANGERS (-180) are right at my personal limit for a money line play. Texas is a little risky behind Howard, a pitcher who is rather untested and doesn’t go long into games. The bullpen will be relied upon heavily in this one.
However, the Athletics (+145) have a rather unproven pitcher of their own, and this one won’t end well for them in Arlington. The A’s are used to that, as they’re 2-7 in the past nine 9 meetings.
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Run line/Against the spread
The RANGERS -1.5 (+110) are worth playing at plus-money on the run line, and a much better value than playing them straight up. While Texas has won 5 of its past 12 games dating back to June 27, 4 of those victories have been by 2 or more runs.
Over/Under
The OVER 9.5 (+105) is the play in this series opener between divisional rivals.
While the Under has dominated for Oakland lately, the Over is 5-1 in the past 6 games overall for Texas. Rangers pitching has allowed 5 or more runs in 5 of the past 6 outings.
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