Texas Rangers vs. Houston Astros: Odds, Prediction
The biggest series of the season in the American League West gets underway Friday night when the first-place Texas Rangers visit the Houston Astros. Houston has won eight of its last nine games to climb back to .500 and sits just a half-game behind Texas in the division standings.
Both clubs are expected to add pieces ahead of the trade deadline, but with only a handful of games separating the contenders, every divisional matchup carries extra weight.
Houston is a -135 favourite to win on the MLB odds, with the total set at 7.5.
MLB Betting Odds and Trends
Rangers games have cashed the over in 29 of the last 40. Both offences have been swinging the bats well in July, with Texas ranking among the American League leaders in both wOBA and isolated power against right-handed pitching.
Houston’s power has propelled their winning ways as of late, ranking sixth since the break with 18 long balls.
Texas Rangers
Texas arrives in Houston after taking three of four from the Mariners and reclaiming first place in the division. Injuries have prevented the Rangers from putting their ideal lineup on the field for much of the season, but reinforcements are on the way, as the front office has already added Logan O’Hoppe and Chase Silseth before the trade deadline.
Nathan Eovaldi gets the start, and despite an elevated ERA over the past month, he continues to miss bats while limiting free passes.
Offensively, Wyatt Langford has looked like himself since returning from injury, helping anchor a lineup that has produced consistently throughout July.
Houston Astros
After dealing with a lengthy list of injuries early in the year, the Astros are healthier, their rotation has welcomed back reinforcements and Yordan Alvarez continues to strengthen his AL MVP case, all while Jeremy Peña has really gotten going at the top of the lineup.
Hunter Brown takes the ball Friday, but unlike Eovaldi, his underlying numbers raise some concerns. His recent expected fielding independent pitching sits well above his ERA, suggesting regression could be on the horizon. Houston remains dangerous at home, however, especially with one of baseball’s best bullpens backing its starters.
MLB Prediction: Who Will Win Rangers vs. Astros?
There’s value in the Rangers as underdogs, as the Texas offence has been far better on the road, and the Astros’ offence hasn’t fared as well at home. That said, the strongest wager is on the over.
Both lineups are generating plenty of power, and with Brown showing signs of regression and Eovaldi allowing more barrels than usual, this game has the ingredients for a high-scoring opener.
Best Bet: Over 8.0 (-105)
TEX
HOU