Texas Rangers at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Texas Rangers at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Texas Rangers (8-5) play the 2nd contest in a 3-game series against the Houston Astros (6-8) Saturday. First pitch at Minute Maid Park is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET (MLB Network). 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: Rangers lead 1-0. Astros won the season series 14-5 in 2022.

The Rangers registered a 6-2 victory in the series opener Friday, cashing as a +144 underdog. Texas has won 2 straight on the road, and 4 of the past 5 games overall.

The Astros looked to be piecing things together after a slow start, going 3-1 in the previous 4 games before Friday’s loss. The defending champs are just 3-5 in 8 home games this season.

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Rangers at Astros projected starters

RHP Jon Gray vs. RHP Hunter Brown

Gray (1-1, 3.00 ERA) makes his 3rd start. He has a 1.25 WHIP, 3.8 BB/9 and 8.3 K/9 through 12 IP.

  • Has allowed 3 HR, but 2 have been of the solo variety, and the other a 2-run shot
  • Hasn’t allowed a HR to anyone on the Astros’ current roster in 40 at-bats

Brown (1-0, 3.09 ERA) makes his 3rd start. He has a 1.11 WHIP, 3.9 BB/9 and 9.3 K/9 through 11 2/3 IP.

  • Has yet to allow a home run this season
  • Allowed just 1 unearned run on 2 H and 2 BB with 7 K across 7 IP in a win at the Minnesota Twins Sunday
  • Made his MLB debut against the Rangers on Sept. 25, 2022, allowing just 3 H and 1 BB with 5 K across 6 scoreless IP in a win

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 7:14 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Rangers +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Astros -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers +1.5 (-140) | Astros -1.5 (+115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Rangers at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 4, Rangers 3

Moneyline

The ASTROS (-175) haven’t been firing on all cylinders so far this season, but they’re a good play at home against the Rangers.

Houston has won 40 of the previous 57 meetings in this series and is 39-17 in the past 56 at home. Until the Rangers start ticking off wins on the regular, you still have the back the Astros in the Silver Boot Series.

Run line/Against the spread

The RANGERS +1.5 (-140) aren’t a bad play on the run line. Texas picked up the surprising win in Friday’s series opener. Gray has been pitching well, and we should get a close and well-pitched game with Brown on the other side doing well out of the chute this season.

Texas has cashed on the run line in the past 2 times as an underdog, and it is 3-2 overall as a ‘dog on the run line this season.

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Over/Under

UNDER 8 (-110) is the lean, but go lightly.

The Over was on a 5-0 run for the Rangers until Friday’s Under result, which cashed by just a half-run.

The Under has cashed in 2 in a row for the Astros for the first time this season, but the Over is still 9-4 in the past 13 games overall for Houston.

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Texas Rangers at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Texas Rangers at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Texas Rangers (7-5) will begin a 3-game series against the Houston Astros (6-7) on Friday at Minute Maid Park. 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: First meeting; Astros went 14-5 vs. Rangers in 2022

The Rangers lost 10-1 to the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday to snap a 3-game winning streak. Texas is 1.5 games ahead of Houston in the AL West.

The Astros shut out the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-0 on Wednesday. Houston has won 3 of its last 4 games after starting the season 3-6.

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Rangers at Astros projected starters

LHP Martin Perez vs. RHP Luis Garcia

Perez (1-1, 2.53 ERA) makes his 3rd start. He has a 1.50 WHIP, 2.5 BB/9 and 10.1 K/9 in 10 2/3 IP.

  • Has thrown 90-plus pitches and struck out at least 5 batters in each of his 1st 2 starts
  • Is 9-8 with a 3.23 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 5.9 K/9 in 19 career starts against the Astros

Garcia (0-1, 7.00 ERA) makes his 3rd start. He has a 2.00 WHIP, 5.0 BB/9 and 8.0 K/9 in 9 IP.

  • Has allowed 3-plus ER in each of his 1st 2 starts
  • Boasts a 3-0 record with a 2.50 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 8.5 K/9 in 3 career starts (5 appearances) against the Rangers

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 8:21 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Rangers +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Astros -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers +1.5 (-145) | Astros -1.5 (+120)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

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Rangers at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 4, Rangers 3

Moneyline

PASS.

Unless you can get the Astros at -150 odds or better to win, I’d refrain from wagering on the money line in this AL West matchup

Run line/Against the spread

RANGERS +1.5 (-145) is the pick in this game as Perez has gotten off to a solid start this season. Garcia has struggled in his 1st 2 starts, which should help keep this game close despite the Astros being the home team.

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Over/Under

UNDER 8.5 (+100) is the play with the Rangers sitting at 18th in AVG and 24th in OBP. On top of that, Texas is allowing the 7th fewest ER and Houston is allowing the 8th fewest ER this season.

The Under is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings in Houston and 4-1 in the last 5 meetings overall.

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Texas Rangers at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Texas Rangers at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB expert picks and predictions.

The Texas Rangers (59-76) square off against the Houston Astros (87-49) Wednesday to close out a 3-game series at Minute Maid Park with 1st pitch at 8:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Rangers vs. Astros odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Season series: Astros lead 13-5

The Rangers have won 3 of their last 5 games, including Tuesday’s matchup with the Astros. Even with the 4-3 victory, Texas is 27 1/2 games behind Houston in the AL West and only ahead of the Oakland Athletics in the division.

The Astros have won 6 of their last 8 games. After the New York Yankees held the best record in the AL for months, Houston now has passed for the best record in the AL. Houston is 10 games ahead of the Seattle Mariners for the division lead.

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Rangers at Astros projected starters

LHP Cole Ragans vs. RHP Cristian Javier

Ragans (0-2, 4.42 ERA) makes his 5th start. He has a 1.53 WHIP, 4.9 BB/9, and 4.4 K/9 in 18 1/3 IP.

  • Has fewer than 3 K in each of his first 4 starts
  • Aug. 11 at Astros: 4 1/3 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 3 BB, 1 K

Javier (8-9, 3.07 ERA) makes his 21st start. He has a 1.02 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9, and 11.7 K/9 in 120 1/3 IP.

  • Has surrendered at least 1 HR in 9 of his last 11 starts
  • Aug. 31 at Rangers: 5 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 7 K

Rangers at Astros odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 8:27 a.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Rangers +225 (bet $100 to win $225) | Astros -290 (bet $290 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers +1.5 (+105) | Astros -1.5 (-130)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: +100 | U: -125)

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Rangers at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 6, Rangers 3

Money line

I’ll PASS on the money line in this contest, though, I expect the Astros to come away with the win at home. You can only make $100 off of a $290 bet on Houston, so the reward isn’t worth the risk.

Run line/Against the spread

ASTROS -1.5 (-130) is where I’m leaning in this game with Houston facing an inexperienced pitcher. The Astros have won by multiple runs in 5 of their last 6 wins over the Rangers this season.

Over/Under

The Under has hit in each of the last 2 games in this series, but OVER 8.5 RUNS (+100) at plus-odds is enticing. Ragans gave up 5 runs in his last start against the Astros and Javier has allowed multiple runs in back-to-back starts.

The Over is 4-0-1 in Javier’s last 5 home starts vs. a team with a losing record. On top of that, the Astros are 4-0-1 to the Over in their last 5 games where the total is set between 9 and 10.5.

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Texas Rangers at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Texas Rangers at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB expert picks and predictions.

The Texas Rangers (58-76) and Houston Astros (87-48) play the second game of a 3-game set Tuesday at Minute Maid Park. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Rangers vs. Astros odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Season series: Astros lead 13-4

The Rangers lost their 9th game in a row after dropping a 1-0 decision to the Astros Monday. The 9-game skid is the longest current losing streak in MLB.

The Astros have won 6 of 7 games after Monday’s victory. Houston’s pitching staff, led by RHP Hunter Brown in his major-league debut, combined for 0 R on 3 H and 1 BB with 10 K.

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Rangers at Astros projected starters

RHP Glenn Otto vs. LHP Framber Valdez

Otto (6-8, 4.82 ERA) makes his 22nd start. He has a 1.38 WHIP, 4.7 BB/9 and 7.1 K/9 through 104 2/3 IP.

  • Last start: No-decision Thursday at the Boston Red Sox allowing 3 ER on 4 H and 1 BB with 8 K over 5 IP
  • In 3 starts vs. the Astros this season: 0-1 with a 3.52 ERA through 15 1/3 IP

Valdez (14-4, 2.63 ERA) makes his 26th start. He has a 1.12 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9 and 8.2 K/9 through 164 IP.

  • Has won 6 straight decisions
  • In 4 starts vs. the Rangers this season: 3-0 with a 0.96 ERA through 28 IP

Rangers at Astros 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 6:27 a.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Rangers +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Astros -280 (bet $280 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers +1.5 (-103) | Astros -1.5 (-117)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -102 | U: -122)

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Rangers at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 5, Rangers 3

Money line

I would PASS on taking the Astros (-280) money line. While the Astros should win, the price is too steep to pay against a Rangers team that will be desperate to not lose its 10th-straight game.

Run line/Against the spread

When the Astros have won lately, they have done it by margin. Eight of the Astros’ last 9 wins have been by 2 or more runs. There is no need to pay the high price on the money line when Houston will most likely win by multiple runs.

BET ASTROS -1.5 (-117).

Over/Under

Houston scoring just 1 run Monday should not be cause for concern. The last time the Astros scored just 1 run (Saturday at the Los Angeles Angels), their offense exploded the next game for a 9-1 win at Angel Stadium.

Houston hits the 4th-most HR per game at home (1.35) and should bounce back after a low-scoring night.

BET OVER 7.5 (-102).

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Texas Rangers at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Texas Rangers at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB expert picks and predictions.

The Texas Rangers (58-75) are set to open a 3-game set with the Houston Astros (86-48) Monday. First pitch from Minute Maid Park is at 7:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Rangers vs. Astros odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Season series: Astros lead 12-4

The Rangers fell 5-2 to the Boston Red Sox Sunday as RHP Dane Dunning struggled to the tune of 5 ER on 8 H and 3 BB over 4 IP. Texas has now lost 8 consecutive games, which includes being swept in a 2-game series with the Astros.

The Astros came away with a lopsided 9-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels Sunday. Houston has won 5 of its last 6 games to give it a 10-game lead over the Seattle Mariners in the AL West.

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Rangers at Astros projected starters

LHP Martin Perez vs. RHP Hunter Brown

Perez (10-5, 2.89 ERA) makes his 27th start. He has a 1.23 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9 and 8.2 K/9 through 159 IP.

  • Last 5 starts: 1-3, 4.82 ERA, 28 IP, 28 H, 15 ER, 16 BB and 28 K
  • Aug. 31 vs. Astros: 5 IP, 5 ER, 9 H, 4 BB and 5 K

Brown is lined up to make his major league debut.

  • Owns a 9-4 record in 14 starts at the Triple-A level in 2022
  • Has recorded a 2.55 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 3.8 BB/9 and 11.4 K/9 through 106 IP across 14 starts and 9 relief appearances for AAA-Sugar Land

Rangers at Astros 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 9:25 a.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Rangers +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Astros -170 (bet $170 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers +1.5 (-155) | Astros -1.5 (+125)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -125 | U: +100)

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Rangers at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 6, Rangers 4

Money line

I would PASS on taking the Astros (-170) money line with them having a pitcher making his debut Monday.

Even though I have Houston securing the win, I wouldn’t take the money line unless I was including it in a parlay or if you can get the odds at -160 or better.

Run line/Against the spread

ASTROS -1.5 (+125) has decent value with Houston being the home team in this contest.  The Astros have won by 2 or more runs in 8 of their 12 meetings with the Rangers this season.

Over/Under

Given the talent of the Astros’ bats, and the fact that Houston has a pitcher making his debut that had 3.8 BB/9 in Triple-A, OVER 7.5 RUNS (-125) seems like the logical choice in Monday’s matchup.

The Over is 7-0 in Perez’s last 7 starts against a team in the AL West. Plus, the Over is 5-1 in Houston’s last 6 home games against a team with a losing record.

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Texas Rangers at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Texas Rangers at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB expert picks and predictions.

The Texas Rangers (49-61) and the Houston Astros (71-41) meet in the finale of a 3-game set Thursday. First pitch from Minute Maid Park is scheduled for 2:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Rangers vs. Astros odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Season series: Astros lead 9-4

The Rangers pulled off a stunning 8-4 extra-innings win in the middle game Wednesday. Texas cashed as a +280 underdog, while Houston star RHP Justin Verlander was unable to cruise to the easy win.

The Astros allowed 5 runs in the top of the 10th inning and managed to get just 1 back in the bottom. Under bettors couldn’t believe their luck after the teams combined for just 6 runs in the first 9 innings.

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Rangers at Astros projected starters

LHP Cole Ragans vs. LHP Framber Valdez

Ragans made 18 combined starts between Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Round Rock going 8-5 with a 3.04 ERA and 1.12 WHIP. He makes his 2nd MLB start here.

  • The southpaw allowed just 1 unearned run on 3 H and 4 BB with 3 K through 5 IP in a no-decision against the Chicago White Sox in his major league debut Aug. 4.

Valdez (10-4, 2.87 ERA) makes his 22nd start. He has a 1.15 WHIP, 3.2 BB/9 and 8.0 K/9 through 135 IP.

  • Has a 3-2 record with a 4.01 ERA with a .268 opponent batting average with 54 K across 49 1/3 IP in 8 home starts.
  • Is 1-0 with a 0.69 ERA with 12 K across 13 IP over 2 starts against the Rangers this season.

Rangers at Astros 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 7:02 a.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Rangers +250 (bet $100 to win $250) | Astros -320 (bet $320 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers +2.5 (-130) | Astros -2.5 (+105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: +100 | U: -125)

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Rangers at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 6, Rangers 3

Money line

The Astros (-320) were a cautionary tale Wednesday. NEVER bet huge favorites on the money line as they can come back to bite you. They can ruin a winning streak and dry up your bankroll in a hurry.

AVOID.

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Run line/Against the spread

The RANGERS +2.5 (-130) managed to pick up the outright win in a stunner Wednesday. Texas won’t win this one in a battle of southpaws, but it should be able to keep it within 2 runs in the series finale as it has through the first 2 games of the series.

Over/Under

The OVER 8.5 (+100) is the LEAN at even money. Valdez has actually been more giving at home than on the road, and the Over has connected in each of his past 3 outings, while going 6-3 in his previous 9 starts.

The Over has cashed in each of the first 2 games in this series, with 12 combined runs in each of the contests. The Over has hit in 3 in a row for Texas, too.

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Texas Rangers at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Texas Rangers at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB expert picks and predictions.

The Texas Rangers (48-61) and the Houston Astros (71-40) square off in the middle contest of a 3-game set Wednesday. First pitch from Minute Maid Park is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Rangers vs. Astros odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Season series: Astros lead 9-3

The Rangers equaled the Astros in the hits category in the series opener Tuesday but were on the short end of a 7-5 loss as the Over connected.

The Astros bounced back from a 1-0 loss in the series finale in Cleveland for a 7-spot. Houston has posted 6 or more runs in 4 of the previous 6 outings.

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Rangers at Astros projected starters

RHP Glenn Otto vs. RHP Justin Verlander

Otto (4-8, 5.31 ERA) makes his 17th start. He has a 1.41 WHIP, 4.5 BB/9 and 7.4 K/9 through 78 IP.

  • Has posted a 2-4 record with a 4.02 ERA with a sparkling .221 opponent batting average across 40 1/3 IP over 8 road starts.
  • Is 0-1 with a 3.48 ERA across 10 1/3 IP in 2 starts against the Astros in 2022.

Verlander (15-3, 1.73 ERA) makes his 21st start. He has a 0.85 WHIP, 1.6 BB/9 and 8.8 K/9 through 130 IP.

  • Is 4-0 with a 0.68 ERA with 29 K and a .179 opponent BA across 26 2/3 IP across his past 4 outings.
  • Has posted a 2-0 record with 0.69 ERA and .208 opponent BA with 16 K across 13 IP in 2 starts against the Rangers this season.

Rangers at Astros 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 6:32 a.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Rangers +250 (bet $100 to win $250) | Astros -320 (bet $320 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers +2.5 (-130) | Astros -2.5 (+105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!

Rangers at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 7, Rangers 1

Money line

The Astros (-320) would cost you over 3 times your potential return on the money line. Over the long term that’s a terrible betting strategy, as one could go 3-1 betting that type of line 4 times and still be in the red.

AVOID.

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Run line/Against the spread

The ASTROS -2.5 (+105) are worth a roll of the dice laying the runs, as Verlander has just been that good this season. The Houston offense should be able to get to Otto early and provide its Cy Young candidate with more than enough offensive support.

Over/Under

The OVER 7.5 (-110) is worth playing rather lightly.

Sure, Verlander has allowed next to nothing lately, and the Under is 7-1 across his past 8 starts — the Rangers won’t be able to do much against him. However, the Astros offense should be able to get to Otto, perhaps even taking care of the Over on their own.

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Texas Rangers at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Texas Rangers at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB expert picks and predictions.

The Texas Rangers (17-20) and Houston Astros (25-14) meet at Minute Maid Park Friday for the second contest of a 4-game series. First pitch is slated for 8:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Rangers vs. Astros odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Season series: Houston leads 4-1. The Astros have taken 6 of the last 7 meetings with the Rangers since Sept. 15 last season.

The Rangers had won 4 games straight before they dropped Thursday’s series opener 5-1.

The Astros are 7-3 over their last 10 games. Houston pitching has piled up 6 shutouts in May, and overall has a 2.96 ERA, good for 3rd in MLB.

Rangers at Astros projected starters

LHP Martin Perez vs. RHP Cristian Javier

Perez (2-2, 2.01 ERA) is tabbed for his 8th start of the season. He has a 1.02 WHIP, 2.5 BB/9 and 7.4 K/9 through 40 1/3 IP.

  • Owns a 2.56 ERA over his last 5 starts against the Astros despite a clunker vs. Houston last June.
  • Has not allowed a run in 13 road innings this season.

Javier (2-1, 3.20 ERA) has registered a 1.11 WHIP, 3.2 BB/9 and 10.7 K/9 through 25 1/3 IP across 3 starts and 4 relief appearances.

  • Allowed 11 base runners and 7 runs over 3 2/3 IP Saturday at the Washington Nationals in his last start.
  • Owns a 2.42 ERA across 100 1/3 IP at home since 2020.

Rangers at Astros 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 10 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Rangers +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Astros -170 (bet $170 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL): Rangers +1.5 (-150) | Astros -1.5 (+122)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

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Rangers at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 5, Rangers 3

Money line

PASS. A Houston lean gets rewarded more with less juice on the run line.

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Run line/Against the spread

Mostly on some fade-Perez lean, BACK HOUSTON -1.5 (+122).

The Astros are 10-4 at home and they’re 10-5 in games decided by 5 runs or more.

Over/Under

Houston struggles against lefty pitching, and both bullpens are in decent shape. BACK THE UNDER 8.5 (-107).

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Additional MLB coverage:
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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Texas Rangers at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Texas Rangers at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB expert picks and predictions.

The Texas Rangers (17-19) and Houston Astros (24-14) tangle at Minute Maid Park Thursday in the opener of a 4-game series. First pitch is slated for 8:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Rangers vs. Astros odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Season series: Houston leads 3-1. The Astros have taken 5-of-6 from the Rangers since Sept. 15 last season.

The Rangers are coming off a 3-game sweep of the Los Angeles Angels and have won 4 straight overall.

The Astros are returning home from a 9-game road trip that saw them go 6-3. Houston pitching has piled up 6 shutouts in May, and overall the Astros have a 3.01 ERA, good for 3rd in MLB.

Rangers at Astros projected starters

RHP Glenn Otto, Jr. vs. LHP Framber Valdez

Otto (1-1, 6.38 ERA) is making his 5th start of the season. He has a 1.42 WHIP, 4.9 BB/9 and 7.9 K/9 through 18 1/3 IP.

  • Coming off a disastrous start against the Boston Red Sox Saturday where he allowed 8 runs allowed on 8 hits (2 home runs) and 4 BB in 4 IP.

Valdez (2-2, 2.93 ERA) is lined up for his 8th start. He has a 1.28 WHIP, 3.8 BB/9 and 7.2 K/9 through 40 IP.

  • Owns a 2.08 ERA and 1.12 WHIP over his last 4 starts.

Rangers at Astros 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 10:23 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Rangers +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Astros -210 (bet $210 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL): Rangers +1.5 (-120) | Astros -1.5 (+100)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -130 | U: +105)

Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!

Rangers at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 5, Rangers 4

Money line

Houston could have some 3-city road-trip fatigue, and the Astros bullpen is likely too far over its skis with a 2.73 surface ERA.

Otto was okay in pre-Boston starts against these Astros and the New York Yankees, and the Rangers would be worth a look at +180-or-better. Otherwise, PASS.

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Run line/Against the spread

Texas has played a tough slate in terms of opponents combined record, opposing pitching faced, and opposing batting faced.

A workable side on a Ranger nine that has been hamstrung by a 2-5 mark in 1-run games is the TEXAS +1.5 (-120) run line play.

Over/Under

May has been an offense-battling-back month in Major League Baseball. Texas has some quality of contact numbers that indicate some growth potential in its season average of 4.28 runs per game. Against a Houston club with some artificially tamped-down ERA figures, BACK THE OVER 7.5 (-130).

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball
BaseballPress.com: Your source for every MLB lineup

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Texas Rangers at Houston Astros odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Texas Rangers at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Texas Rangers (35-63) and Houston Astros (59-39) play the second game of a three-game set Saturday at Minute Maid Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Rangers vs. Astros odds with MLB picks and predictions.

RHP Kyle Gibson is the projected starting pitcher for the Rangers. He is 6-2 with a 2.86 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 7.6 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9 over 107 innings across 18 starts.

After a 6-0 start, Gibson has fallen back to Earth in a big way. He was hammered for eight earned runs, 10 hits and two walks with two strikeouts in five innings of a 14-0 loss at the Detroit Tigers Monday. He is 0-2 with a 7.41 ERA across 17 innings over three July starts.

LHP Framber Valdez is the projected starting pitcher for the Astros. He is 5-2 with a 3.26 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 8.3 K/9 and 3.6 BB/9 across 60 2/3 innings in 10 starts.

Valdez has been a little shaky in July, too. He allowed four runs, seven hits and two walks across 6 1/3 innings in a 4-0 loss at the Chicago White Sox Sunday. He is 1-1 with a 5.24 ERA across four outings in 22 1/3 innings in July.

MLB betting offers/promotions

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  • Bet just $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a home run during the game. Bet now!
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Rangers at Astros odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:16 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Rangers +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Astros -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Rangers +1.5 (-115) | Astros -1.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under: 8 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Prediction

Astros 7, Rangers 3

Money line (ML)

The Astros (-200) will cost you two times your potential return in this middle game of the Silver Boot Series. While the Rangers are just 5-22 in the past 27 trips to Houston, and 8-19 in the past 27 meetings overall, this is just too expensive.

AVOID and look to the run line instead.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

The ASTROS -1.5 (-105) are a much better value. Houston usually dominates this rivalry. That dominance was on display in Friday’s 7-3 win in the series opener. Look for more of the same in the middle game.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 8 (-110) is the play, not because of short- or long-term trends, but because Gibson has been horrific lately for the Rangers, and Valdez has been quite giving lately for the Astros, too.

The Over is 8-1 in the past nine head-to-head meetings, and 6-0 in the past six battles in H-Town.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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