The Texas Rangers (18-31) and Houston Astros (24-25) finish a three-game series at Minute Maid Park Thursday. The first pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Rangers-Astros MLB betting odds and lines, with picks and best bets.
Rangers at Astros: Projected starting pitchers
RHP Jordan Lyles vs. LHP Framber Valdez
Lyles: 1-4, 9 games (6 starts), 7.80 ERA, 1.64 WHIP, 5.7 K/9, 4.2 BB/9, 42 2/3 IP
- Has allowed an MLB-high 37 earned runs with at least 3 runs allowed in each of his last eight outings.
- He has been at his worst on the road with an 8.84 ERA through 4 games and 19 1/3 innings.
Valdez: 3-3, 9 games (8 starts), 4.08 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 8.9 K/9, 2.4 BB/9, 57 1/3 IP
- Got off to a great start but has pitched to a 6.92 ERA over his last 4 starts with 20 earned runs allowed over 26 IP.
- Gave up 3 earned runs over 7 innings against the Rangers in a Sept. 1 start but took the no-decision as the Astros lost 6-5.
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Rangers at Astros: Key injuries
(Get the latest injury news here.)
Rangers
- SS Elvis Andrus (back) out
- OF Shin-Soo Choo (hand) out
- RP Jose Leclerc (shoulder) out
- OF Danny Santana (elbow) out
Astros
- OF Yordan Alvarez (knee) out
- SS Aledmys Diaz (quadriceps) questionable
- RP Roberto Osuna (elbow) out
Rangers at Astros: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips
MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:15 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Astros 8, Rangers 4
Money line (ML)
The Astros (-239) are heavy favorites to close the series with a win after being dealt a 1-0 loss Wednesday. The Rangers (+210) scored the lone win in the top of the ninth inning off of OF Joey Gallo‘s RBI ground-rule double.
Neither starting pitcher inspires the slightest amount of confidence Thursday after the duel between Kyle Gibson and Lance McCullers Jr. Wednesday. Valdez fared well against the Rangers in his previous appearance against them, but it’s the rose between thorns of other outings on either side.
PASS on the moneyline due to the chalky price of the home club. We’ll get much better value while taking on similar risk with the spread.
Run line/Against the spread (ATS)
Go to the alternate lines and back ASTROS -2.5 (+120) for a plus-money return. They beat the Rangers 4-1 in the series opener and beat them 8-4 in a series finale earlier this month.
Houston is 3-2 straight up in the head-to-head season series but just 2-3 ATS. Look for that to change with another convincing win Thursday in what’s set up to be an offensive display for both teams.
Over/Under (O/U)
OVER 9 (-110) is the day’s best play, even after Wednesday’s 1-0 win for the Rangers. The struggles of both Lyles and Valdez could send this one over the number even before they’re relieved by rested bullpens.
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