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The Texas Rangers (75-83) and the Oakland A’s (68-90) wrap up a 3-game series Thursday at Oakland Coliseum. First pitch is scheduled for 3:37 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Rangers vs. A’s odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Rangers lead 7-5
This is a rather historic game. It’s the end of an era. The A’s will play their final game at Oakland Coliseum. The organization has played baseball in the city since 1968. It will temporarily play the next 3 seasons in West Sacramento before a new stadium is built in Las Vegas for the start of the 2028 season.
The Rangers posted a 5-1 victory Wednesday as short +108 underdogs with the Under (7) cashing. Texas, the defending World Champs, but eliminated from postseason contention, is just 5-9 in the past 14 outings, while still cashing the Over at a 4-1 clip in the previous 5 games.
The A’s picked up a 5-4 win in the series opener at even-money (+100) as the Over (7.5) cashed. Oakland is 1-4 in the past 5 games, while going just 1-6 in the previous 7 home outings.
Rangers at A’s projected starters
RHP Kumar Rocker vs. RHP J.T. Ginn
Rocker (0-1, 2.57 ERA) makes his 3rd career start. He has a 1.57 WHIP, 7.7 BB/9 and 15.4 K/9 through 7 innings.
- Last start: Loss, 3 IP, 1 ER (2 R), 2 H, 4 BB, 5 K, 71 pitches in 4-0 home setback vs. Toronto Blue Jays Sept. 19
- Last road start: No-decision, 4 IP, 1 ER, 3 H (1 solo HR), 2 BB, 7 K in 5-4 win vs. Seattle Mariners in Major League debut Sept. 12
- Has never faced A’s
Ginn (0-1, 4.40 ERA) makes his 6th start and 8th appearance. He has a 1.33 WHIP, 2.2 BB/9 and 8.5 K/9 through 28 2/3 innings.
- Last start: No-decision, 5 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 4 K in 4-2 home loss in 10 innings vs. New York Yankees Friday
- 2024 home splits: 0-1, 3.20 ERA, 19 2/3 IP, 7 ER, 6 BB, 20 K, .236 opponents’ batting average (OBA), 1.17 WHIP in 3 starts (5 appearances)
- Has never faced Rangers
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.
Rangers at A’s odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of MLB odds. Lines last updated at 3:40 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rangers -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | A’s -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers -1.5 (+155) | A’s +1.5 (-190)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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Rangers at A’s picks and predictions
Prediction
A’s 4, Rangers 3
Moneyline
It hasn’t been a great season — or past few seasons — in Oakland. The jilted fans have mostly stayed away, and those who have attended games have done so to beg owner John Fisher to sell the team. It might not mean much, but the A’S (-110) are a strong play to close this chapter of team history with a victory.
The team finishes the season with 3 games in Seattle Friday through Sunday, so this will be the final game in the East Bay for this proud franchise.
Run line/Against the spread
The A’s +1.5 (-190) will cost nearly 2 times the potential return if you would like some insurance and you just can’t bring yourself to bet Oakland straight up.
Oakland is a respectable 7-5 in the past 12 games as an underdog on the run line, while winning 6 of those games outright. However, if you like the A’s, just play them straight up.
PASS on the spread.
Over/Under
UNDER 8.5 (-115) is worth a look as this matchup between the up-and-comer Rocker, who has electric stuff, and the respectable Ginn, should mean runs are at a premium.
The total went low Wednesday, but there is plenty of risk. Oakland had hit the Over in each of the previous 3 games, while Texas had gone high in the previous 4 outings. So, be careful.
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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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