The Texas Rangers (18-20) and Houston Astros (20-17) play the opener of a four-game series Thursday at Minute Maid Park with a 8:10 p.m. ET first pitch. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Rangers vs. Astros odds with MLB picks and predictions.
RHP Mike Foltynewicz is the projected starting pitcher for the Rangers. He is 1-3 with a 4.50 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 8.1 K/9 and 2.0 BB/9 over 40 IP through 7 starts.
Foltynewicz has lasted at least six innings in each of his past two outings, and three of his past four starts. However, he has just one win to show for his efforts, a 6-1 win April 27 against the visiting Los Angeles Angels.
RHP Cristian Javier is the projected starting pitcher for the Astros. He is 3-1 with a 2.90 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 11.0 K/9 and 3.5 BB/9 over 31 IP through 6 starts.
Javier was pounded for five runs, four hits and four walks in 5 1/3 innings in a loss against the visiting Toronto Blue Jays last time out, and he served up two homers in the outing.
MLB betting offers/promotions
BetMGM Sportsbook offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.
- 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!
- RISK-FREE FIRST BET. Place your first bet, if it loses you’ll get up to $600 in free bets. Bet now!
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 1:25 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Rangers +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Astros -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Rangers +1.5 (-115) | Astros -1.5 (-105)
- Over/Under: 9 (Over -105 | Under -115)
Prediction
Astros 6, Rangers 4
Money line (ML)
The Astros (-200) will cost you two times your potential return, and even though the pitching matchup appears to be in their favor, it’s still risky business.
PASS.
FANTASY BASEBALL: Serious about winning your league? Sign up for BaseballHQ.com to dominate the competition. Subscribe now!
Run line/Against the spread (ATS)
ASTROS -1.5 (-105) is a much better play on the run line at even money. Javier had been rolling along until his most recent start, and he should bounce back against the Rangers +1.5 (-115).
Remember, Houston is 13-3 in the past 16 home games against Texas, and 12-5 in the previous 17 meetings. They just seem to have the number of the Rangers.
Over/Under (O/U)
The lean is OVER 9 (-105) but go very, very lightly. The Over is 5-2 in the past seven division games for the Rangers, while cashing in five of the past seven series openers for Texas, too. Meanwhile, the Over is 7-2-1 in the past 10 games overall for Houston.
PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!
Bet on this game now at BetMGM Sportsbook. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow Joe Williams on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]