The Texas Rangers (58-69), one of the highest-scoring lineups in the AL, are set to host the Houston Astros (82-47) at Globe Life Field on Tuesday for the opener of a two-game series. The Astros are heading on the road after a successful six-game homestand (4-2). They won only one out of three in their last series against the Orioles, taking the finale 3-1 on Sunday at Minute Maid Park. Alex Bregman was 1 for 2 with a home run and two runs, walking twice. Kyle Tucker added two doubles and one run. The Rangers lost two of three against the Tigers in their last series, dropping the finale 9-8 on Sunday at Globe Life Field. Corey Seager went 2 for 4 with two home runs, three runs, and three RBIs.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The Astros have won 10 of 14 in the season series between the AL West rivals, including a 7-3 victory in their most recent meeting on August 11 at Minute Maid Park. Framber Valdez threw seven scoreless innings- striking out eight – for the win.
ON THE MOUND
Valdez (13-4, 2.65 ERA) is slated to get the start for Houston. The LHP is tied for second in the AL in wins and fifth in ERA. Valdez allowed one run over seven innings in his last start, a 5-3 road win over the Twins on Wednesday. He got the win, giving up two hits while striking out eight and walking four. Over three previous starts against the Rangers this season, Valdez has allowed only one earned runs over 20 innings (2-0, 0.45). He has struck out 20 and walked five. Righty Dane Dunning (3-6, 4.19 ERA) will toe the rubber for Texas. He has made two appearances against the Astros this season, both as the starter, giving up two runs over 11.2 innings (0-0, 1.54) with nine strikeouts and five walks. In his last start on August 23, Dunning took a no-decision on the road against the Rockies. He threw five innings and gave up four runs on seven hits, striking out four, in the 7-6 defeat.
AT THE PLATE
The Houston offense is averaging 4.5 runs per game for the season, with a slash line of .245/.318/.423. Four Astros hitters have an OPS of .800 or better, led by Yordan Alvarez (.995). The left fielder is slashing .294/.398/.597 with 31 home runs, 80 RBIs, and 78 runs over 109 games. Over the last five games, however, Houston has averaged only 3.0 runs a game while slashing worse across the board (.215/.271/.368). Against righties like Dunning this season, the ‘Stros have a .734 OPS. Alvarez also is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a 1.027 OPS in 252 at-bats. Texas is slashing .244/.307/.401 for the season and averaging 4.6 runs per game, third best in the American League. Nathaniel Lowe leads the team with a .847 OPS. The first baseman has 22 home runs, 65 RBIs, and 60 runs scored with a slash line of .300/.349/.498. Texas is averaging 7.8 runs per game in the last five with an improved slash line (.313/.369/.582). The Rangers have a .769 OPS against left-handers in 2022. With a .999 OPS over 131 at-bats, Lowe also has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Houston is 39-27 in road games in 2022, scoring 4.5 runs per game while allowing 3.5 runs. Texas has gone 28-36 at their home park this season, averaging 4.3 runs per game while surrendering 4.9. In the last 10 games between the teams at Globe Life Field, Houston is 7-3 with an average scoreline of 5.0-3.3.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Astros lead the AL West by 11 games over the Mariners. The Rangers are third in the AL West, 23 games behind the Astros.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Houston Astros (-175)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
