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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