Free MLB Picks Today: Tampa Bay Rays vs Texas Rangers 9/18/22

The Tampa Bay Rays (+115) host the Texas Rangers (-135) at Tropicana Field on Sunday with the three-game series knotted at 1-1. The early total was set at 7 runs with the over a -115 favorite. The Rays (81-64) evened up the series 1-1 after winning 5-1 on Saturday, their third head-to-head victory in six games this season. Ryan Yarbrough threw three innings out of the bullpen to get the win. Jose Siri went 3 for 3 with two runs in the win. Taylor Walls added a solo home run. Jonah Heim was 1 for 4 with a solo home run for the Rangers (63-82).

ON THE MOUND

Glenn Otto (6-8, 4.71 ERA) is in line for the start for Texas. The RHP allowed two runs over six innings in his last start, a 3-2 road win over the Marlins on Monday. He scattered three hits while striking out two and walking two in the no-decision. Otto has made one previous start against the Rays this season, a 9-5 home victory on May 30. He surrendered two runs on four hits over six innings, striking out four and walking three. LHP Jeffrey Springs (8-4, 2.41 ERA) gets the start for Tampa Bay. He has made one prior start against the Rangers this season, giving up two runs over five innings in a 4-3 road win on June 1. He gave up five hits and walked one, while striking out seven in the no-decision. In his last start on Tuesday, Springs got the win on the road against the Blue Jays. He threw six scoreless innings and gave up three hits, striking out five and walking two in the 4-2 triumph.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Texas has averaged 5.2 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 4.5. Against lefties like Springs this season, the Rangers have a .758 OPS. Nathaniel Lowe is the team’s most potent producer against left-handers with a .989 OPS in 162 at-bats. Tampa Bay is averaging 4.4 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 4.2 for the season. The Rays have a .688 OPS against righties in 2022. With a .806 OPS over 336 at-bats, Yandy Diaz has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Texas is 33-41 in away games in 2022, scoring 4.6 runs per game while allowing 4.2 runs. Tampa Bay has gone 48-25 at home this season, averaging 4.2 runs per game while surrendering 3.3. The teams have split their last 10 games at Tropicana Field, though Texas has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 3.5-3.2.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Rangers are third in the AL West, 31 games behind the division-leading Astros. The Rays are third in the AL East, six games behind the Yankees. They currently occupy one of the Wild Card spots, sitting second.