[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]
The Texas Rangers (59-70) and the Cleveland Guardians (74-54) wrap up a 3-game series Sunday. First pitch from Progressive Field is set for 1:40 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Rangers vs. Guardians odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Guardians lead 3-2
The Rangers picked up a 5-3 victory in Friday’s series opener, but the Guardians pounded the Rangers 13-5 on Saturday, cashing the Over (8.5) all on their own.
Despite the rout, Texas is still a respectable 4-2 in the past 6 games, and even with the Over result, the Rangers have cashed low on the total in 6 of the previous 9 outings.
For the Guardians, the 13 runs scored on Saturday were the most since also dropping 13 runs on the Tampa Bay Rays on July 7 in a win at Progressive Field. The Over has cashed in back-to-back games, but the Under is still 6-3 across the previous 9 contests.
Rangers at Guardians projected starters
LHP Cody Bradford vs. LHP Matthew Boyd
Bradford (4-1, 3.56 ERA) makes his 8th start and 9th appearance. He has a 0.95 WHIP, 1.3 BB/9 and 8.6 K/9 in 43 IP.
- Last start: Loss, 7 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 0 BB, 8 K in 4-0 home setback vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Tuesday
- 2024 road splits: 1-0, 7.71 ERA (7 IP, 6 ER), 1.57 WHIP, .323 opponents’ batting average, 1 BB, 9 K in 2 appearances (1 start)
- Career vs. Guardians: 1-1, 12.00 ERA (6 IP, 8 ER), 1.67 WHIP, 9.0 K/9 in 2 appearances (1 start)
Boyd (0-0, 3.38 ERA) makes his 3rd start. He has a 1.03 WHIP, 3.4 BB/9 and 6.8 K/9 in 10 2/3 IP.
- Last start: No-decision, 5 1/3 IP, 3 ER, 4 H (2 HR), 4 BB, 2 K in 9-5 road victory in 12 innings vs. New York Yankees Tuesday
- 2024 home splits: No-decision, 5 1/3 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 0 BB, 6 K in 2-1 win vs. Chicago Cubs Aug. 13 in season debut and only home start
- Career vs. Rangers: 1-7, 6.49 ERA (51 1/3 IP, 37 ER), 1.38 WHIP, 8.4 K/9 in 11 appearances (10 starts)
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 Guardians odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:23 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rangers +108 (bet $100 to win $108) | Guardians -126 (bet $126 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers -1.5 (+160) | Guardians +1.5 (-194)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -106 | U: -114)
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]
Rangers at Guardians picks and predictions
Prediction
Guardians 6, Rangers 5
Moneyline
The GUARDIANS (-126) are worth playing lightly, but hold your nose and make the pick.
Neither of these teams give bettors a lot of confidence on Sunday. The Rangers (+108) are a dismal 13-19 this season against left-handed starting pitchers.
While Cleveland is an impressive 26-11 vs. LHP this season, best mark in the AL and best winning percentage against southpaws in the majors, Boyd has 1-7 career mark against Texas, which should give bettors pause.
Run line/Against the spread
The Guardians +1.5 (-194) will set you back nearly 2 times your potential return, if you need some insurance and just can’t back Cleveland straight up with Boyd on the hill. It’s not a recommended bet, as it is just too much risk and not nearly enough reward.
PASS.
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Over/Under
OVER 8.5 (-110) is a strong play with a pair of left-handed starters on the bump.
The Over is 2-2 in 4 starts for Bradford, including his only start on the road Aug. 10 against the New York Yankees.
The Over has split in Boyd’s only 2 outings, but again, he has terrible splits against the Rangers, including a 6.49 ERA.
[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]
If you’re looking to play a few games of your own, check out the online casino real money action available or play on social casinos instead for free.
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.
Fantasy baseball help from BaseballHQ.com:
Subscribe now to dominate the competition.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]