Free MLB Picks Today: Texas Rangers vs Atlanta Braves 5/15/23

Two of the league’s highest-scoring lineups are set to face off at Globe Life Field on Monday as the Texas Rangers (25-15) host the Atlanta Braves (25-15) for the first of a three-game Interleague series.

The Braves are in the midst of a six-game road trip. They are coming off a three-game sweep at the hands of the Blue Jays, dropping the finale 6-5 on Sunday at Rogers Centre for their fourth straight loss. Ronald Acuna Jr. was 2 for 4 with a home run and two runs.

The Rangers are playing the first of six games at home after returning from a successful 10-game road trip (7-3). They won three of four against the Athletics in their last series, taking the finale 11-3 on Sunday at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.

Robbie Grossman went 3 for 5 with a home run and a double. He scored two runs and drove in three. Adolis Garcia also went 3 for 5 with a home run and a double.

He scored two runs and drove in five.The teams are meeting for the first time this season. Last season, the Rangers won two of the three games between the teams.

ON THE MOUND

Charlie Morton (4-3, 3.32 ERA) is in line to take the mound for Atlanta. The RHP allowed two runs over six innings in his last start, a 9-3 road win over the Red Sox on Tuesday. He was credited with the win, giving up five hits while striking out seven and walking two.

Right-hander Dane Dunning (3-0, 1.72 ERA) gets the start for Texas. Dunning made one start against the Braves in 2022, throwing 7.2 innings in a 3-1 home win on April 30. He gave up four hits while striking out seven in the win.

In his last start on Wednesday, Dunning got the win on the road against the Mariners. He threw six innings and gave up two runs on six hits, striking out five and walking one in the 4-3 victory.

AT THE PLATE

The Atlanta offense is averaging 5.2 runs per game for the season, fifth best in the league, with a slash line of .256/.338/.452. Acuna Jr. leads the team in OPS at .992. The right fielder is slashing .342/.433/.559 with eight home runs, 23 RBIs, and 36 runs over 40 games.

Over the last five games, however, Atlanta has averaged only 3.6 runs a game while performing worse across the board (.234/.308/.383). Against righties like Dunning this season, the Braves have a .733 OPS. Acuna Jr. also is the team’s best hitter against right-handers with a 1.016 OPS in 112 at-bats.

Texas is slashing .266/.338/.444 for the season and averaging 6.4 runs per game, best in the league. Jonah Heim leads the team with a .925 OPS.

The catcher has six home runs, 30 RBIs, and 25 runs scored with a slash line of .319/.379/.546. The Rangers have a .773 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .947 OPS over 115 at-bats, Marcus Semien has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Atlanta is on a three-game losing streak in road games, bringing their record to 15-6 in 2023. The Braves have scored 5.5 runs per game away from home, while allowing 3.0 runs.

Texas has gone 12-6 at Globe Life Field this season, averaging 6.7 runs per game while surrendering 4.1. Texas is 2-1 in three meetings at Globe Life Field with an average scoreline of 4.3-3.3.