Free MLB Picks Today: Texas Rangers vs Cleveland Guardians 9/23/22

Hot-hitting Myles Straw will be looking to extend his 11-game hitting streak as the Cleveland Guardians (83-67) match up against the Texas Rangers (65-84) at Globe Life Field on Friday to open a three-game series. The Guardians are in the midst of a six-game road trip. They are coming off a three-game sweep of the White Sox, taking the finale 4-2 on Thursday at Guaranteed Rate Field for their fourth straight win. Andres Gimenez was 2 for 3 with one RBI. The Rangers are in the midst of a six-game homestand. They won two of three against the Angels in their last series, taking the finale 5-3 on Thursday at Globe Life Field. Marcus Semien went 2 for 3 with a double, one run, and one RBI.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

The Guardians have won two of three in the season series between the teams, including a 4-0 victory in their most recent meeting on June 8 at Progressive Field. Eli Morgan threw 1.2 scoreless innings in relief to get the win.

ON THE MOUND

Cody Morris (0-2, 2.30 ERA) is slated for the start for Cleveland. The righty allowed one run over six innings in his last start, a 3-0 road defeat against the Twins on Sunday. He took the loss, yielding six hits while striking out six and walking one. Right-hander Jon Gray (7-7, 3.80 ERA) will toe the rubber for Texas. He has made one prior start against the Guardians this season, giving up five runs over five innings in a 6-3 road defeat on June 7. He gave up six hits and walked four, while striking out three in the loss. In his last start on Saturday, Gray took the loss on the road against the Rays. He threw 4.1 innings and gave up two runs on two hits, striking out four and walking one in the 5-1 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

The Cleveland offense is averaging 4.3 runs per game for the season, with a slash line of .253/.315/.382. Jose Ramirez leads the team in OPS at .874. The third baseman is slashing .277/.355/.519 with 28 home runs, 117 RBIs, and 85 runs over 146 games. Over the last five games, however, Cleveland has averaged 6.6 runs a game while performing better across the board (.271/.345/.424). Against right-handed pitchers like Gray this season, the Guardians have a .716 OPS. Ramirez also is the team’s best hitter against right-handers with a .917 OPS in 415 at-bats. Texas is slashing .242/.304/.400 for the season and averaging 4.5 runs per game. Nathaniel Lowe leads the team with a .863 OPS. The first baseman has 25 home runs, 72 RBIs, and 69 runs scored with a slash line of .307/.362/.501. The Rangers have a .681 OPS against right-handers in 2022. With a .815 OPS over 373 at-bats, Lowe also has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Cleveland is on a six-game winning streak on the road, bringing their record to 43-35 in 2022. The Guardians have scored 4.5 runs per game away from home, while allowing 3.9 runs. Texas has gone 32-42 at their home park this season, averaging 4.3 runs per game while surrendering 4.9. In three meetings at Globe Life Field, Cleveland is 2-1 with an average scoreline of 5.7-4.3.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Guardians lead the AL Central by seven games over the White Sox. Their magic number to clinch the division is six. The Rangers are third in the AL West, 33 games behind the Astros.