The Texas Rangers (7-5) will begin a 3-game series against the Houston Astros (6-7) on Friday at Minute Maid Park. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Rangers vs. Astros odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting; Astros went 14-5 vs. Rangers in 2022
The Rangers lost 10-1 to the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday to snap a 3-game winning streak. Texas is 1.5 games ahead of Houston in the AL West.
The Astros shut out the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-0 on Wednesday. Houston has won 3 of its last 4 games after starting the season 3-6.
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Rangers at Astros projected starters
LHP Martin Perez vs. RHP Luis Garcia
Perez (1-1, 2.53 ERA) makes his 3rd start. He has a 1.50 WHIP, 2.5 BB/9 and 10.1 K/9 in 10 2/3 IP.
- Has thrown 90-plus pitches and struck out at least 5 batters in each of his 1st 2 starts
- Is 9-8 with a 3.23 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 5.9 K/9 in 19 career starts against the Astros
Garcia (0-1, 7.00 ERA) makes his 3rd start. He has a 2.00 WHIP, 5.0 BB/9 and 8.0 K/9 in 9 IP.
- Has allowed 3-plus ER in each of his 1st 2 starts
- Boasts a 3-0 record with a 2.50 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 8.5 K/9 in 3 career starts (5 appearances) against the Rangers
Rangers at Astros odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:21 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rangers +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Astros -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers +1.5 (-145) | Astros -1.5 (+120)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)
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Rangers at Astros picks and predictions
Prediction
Astros 4, Rangers 3
Moneyline
PASS.
Unless you can get the Astros at -150 odds or better to win, I’d refrain from wagering on the money line in this AL West matchup
Run line/Against the spread
RANGERS +1.5 (-145) is the pick in this game as Perez has gotten off to a solid start this season. Garcia has struggled in his 1st 2 starts, which should help keep this game close despite the Astros being the home team.
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Over/Under
UNDER 8.5 (+100) is the play with the Rangers sitting at 18th in AVG and 24th in OBP. On top of that, Texas is allowing the 7th fewest ER and Houston is allowing the 8th fewest ER this season.
The Under is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings in Houston and 4-1 in the last 5 meetings overall.
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