The Texas Rangers (14-7) and Cincinnati Reds (7-15) open up a 3-game set at Great American Ball Park Monday. First pitch is at 6:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Rangers vs. Reds odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting since 2019. Rangers lead all-time 10-9.
The Rangers come to town after taking 2 of 3 games from the Oakland Athletics with a 5-2 victory Sunday. Texas has won 6 of 7 games and leads the AL West. The Rangers have been raking offensively; they are 2nd in runs/9 (6.69), 5th in BA (.263), 6th in OPS (.780) and 9th in homers (1.30). Texas is also doing it all without SS Corey Seager, who was lost for a month April 12.
The Reds have lost 6 outings in a row and are just 2-8 over the last 10. Cincinnati has scored just 6 runs over the last 6 games. The Pittsburgh Pirates swept a 4-game series from them by the combined score of 12-6 over the weekend.
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Rangers at Reds projected starters
RHP Nathan Eovaldi vs. LHP Nick Lodolo
Eovaldi (2-2, 5.40 ERA) makes his 5th start this season. He has a 1.48 WHIP, 1.7 BB/9 and 10.0 K/9 in 21 2/3 IP.
- Last start was Tuesday at the Kansas City Royals: 6 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 1 BB and 5 K
- Has 2 career starts vs. Cincinnati, but they were in 2014 while with the Miami Marlins
Lodolo (2-1, 4.98 ERA) makes his 5th start. He has a 1.71 WHIP, 2.9 BB/9 and 12.9 K/9 in 21 2/3 IP.
- Last start was Tuesday vs. the Tampa Bay Rays: 4 2/3 IP, 8 ER, 12 H, 1 BB and 4 K
- Has never faced Texas; is 5-5 with a 3.67 ERA and 11.9 K/9 in 15 career starts at GABP
Rangers at Reds odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:55 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rangers -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Reds -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers -1.5 (+145) | Reds +1.5 (-175)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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Rangers at Reds picks and predictions
Prediction
Rangers 6, Reds 4
Moneyline
Lodolo is coming off arguably the worst start of his career, which has inflated his numbers. He’s a very solid, young pitcher with a great K-rate. He’ll keep the Reds in the game, and the bats have to come alive at some point.
However, if it becomes a battle of the bullpens, I’ll side with the Rangers, who boast the league’s 2nd-best reliever ERA at 2.61. Cincinnati’s is better than expected at 16th with a 3.75, but there is too much momentum siding with Texas. The Reds are just 2-13 against right-handed pitchers as well.
Take the RANGERS (-115).
Run line/Against the spread
It’s easy to concede that Texas is a better team and should hit the run line against the struggling Reds. Despite being 7-15 on the year, the Reds are 13-9 on the run line and have lost a lot of close games. I’ll take a shot on the Reds and Lodolo in the first half.
Take the REDS FIRST 5 INNINGS (-110).
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Over/Under
It’s 52 degrees with a light, 7-mph wind blowing out to center field Monday. The Rangers are 7-3 O/U over the last 10, and the Reds are 4-6 despite scoring 6 runs in 6 games. The Reds should provide enough to take the OVER 8.5 (-105).
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