Free MLB Picks Today: Cincinnati Reds vs Texas Rangers 4/25/23

The Cincinnati Reds (8-15) host the Texas Rangers (14-8) at Great American Ball Park on Tuesday. The Reds took Monday’s series opener 7-6. Alexis Diaz got the win with one scoreless inning out of the bullpen.

Spencer Steer went 2 for 4 with a triple, two runs, and two RBIs in the win. Josh Jung was 2 for 4 with two home runs and three RBIs for the Rangers. Ezequiel Duran went 3 for 4 with a double and one run.

ON THE MOUND

Martin Perez (3-1, 3.38 ERA) is slated to take the mound for Texas. The southpaw allowed three runs over 5.2 innings in his last start, a 12-3 road win over the Royals on Wednesday. He earned the win, yielding eight hits while striking out three.

RHP Luke Weaver (0-1, 6.00 ERA) takes the mound for Cincinnati. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Rangers. In his last start on Thursday, Weaver took the loss on the road against the Pirates. He threw six innings and gave up four runs on four hits, striking out eight and walking two in the 4-3 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Texas has averaged 9.0 runs a game, up from their season average of 6.6, while slashing better across the board (.324/.405/.540). Against right-handed pitchers like Weaver this season, the Rangers have a .795 OPS, fifth highest in the league.

Marcus Semien is the team’s best performer against right-handers with a .960 OPS in 63 at-bats. Cincinnati is averaging only 2.6 runs per game in the last five, down from 4.1 for the season, with their slash line slipping across the board (.206/.274/.244). The Reds have a .663 OPS against left-handers in 2023. With a 1.035 OPS over 18 at-bats, Kevin Newman has been their best hitter against left-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Texas is 6-4 in road games in 2023, scoring 6.2 runs per game while allowing 3.7 runs. Cincinnati has gone 7-6 at their home park this season, averaging 5.0 runs per game while surrendering 5.8.

In the last 10 games at Great American Ball Park between the teams, each club has won five, though Cincinnati has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 5.2-5.1.