The Texas Rangers (59-43) and the Houston Astros (58-44) wrap up a 3-game series Wednesday at Minute Maid Park in Houston. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Rangers vs. Astros odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Astros lead 6-3 after beating the Rangers 4-3 Tuesday
The Rangers have seen their lead in the AL West trimmed to just 1 game after Tuesday’s loss. Texas is just 1-4 in the last 5 games. The Under on Tuesday snapped a 4-0 run to the Over.
The Astros have registered 3 straight victories, while winning 6 of the last 7 outings overall. The Under has hit in 3 of the last 4 contests, while going 6-2 in the previous 8 outings.
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Rangers at Astros projected starters
LHP Andrew Heaney vs. LHP Framber Valdez
Heaney (6-6, 4.58 ERA) makes his 20th start. He has a 1.35 WHIP, 3.7 BB/9 and 9.3 K/9 in 96 1/3 innings.
- Last start: No-decision, 5 IP, 4 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 3 K in an 11-5 home win vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers Friday
- 2023 road splits: 2-3, 3.99 ERA (38 1/3 IP, 17 ER – 8 HR), .220 opponent batting average (OBA) in 7 starts
Valdez (8-6, 2.94 ERA) makes his 20th start. He has a 1.10 WHIP, 2.2 BB/9 and 9.8 K/9 in 122 1/3 innings.
- Last start: Win, 5 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 4 K in a 6-4 road win vs. the Oakland Athletics Friday
- 2023 home splits: 3-4, 2.13 ERA (72 IP, 17 ER – 2 HR), .230 OBA in 11 starts
Rangers at Astros odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:54 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rangers +150 (bet $100 to win $150) | Astros -185 (bet $185 win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers +1.5 (-135) | Astros -1.5 (+110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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Rangers at Astros picks and predictions
Prediction
Astros 4, Rangers 2
Moneyline
The Astros (-185) are a little too pricey for my liking for a standalone wager, as my personal wager is -180. If you were to toss Houston into a multi-team parlay, I don’t dislike the price as much.
However, PASS, and look to the run line instead.
Run line/Against the spread
The ASTROS -1.5 (+110) are worth playing lightly on the run line.
Houston comes with a little bit of risk, as it has won the 1st 2 games in the series, but both margins of victory have been by a single run. Tread lightly, although the Rangers have dropped 4 of the last 5 starts by Heaney, including a 5-3 loss July 2 in Arlington.
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Over/Under
UNDER 8.5 (-115).
While, yes, the Over has hit in 4 of the last 5 games overall for the Rangers, the Under is 3-2-2 in the last 7 starts by Heaney.
For the Astros, the Under is 6-2 in the last 8 games overall, while the Under is 4-3 across the previous 7 contests with Valdez on the bump.
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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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