The Texas Rangers (26-17) and their MLB-best offense are set to host the Colorado Rockies (19-25) at Globe Life Field on Friday for the opener of a three-game Interleague series.
The Rockies are heading on the road after a six-game homestand (3-3). They won two out of three in their last series against the Reds, taking the finale 11-6 on Wednesday at Coors Field. Brenton Doyle was 2 for 4 with a triple, two runs, and two RBIs.
The Rangers are in the midst of a six-game homestand. They lost two of three against the Braves in their last series, dropping the finale 6-5 on Wednesday at Globe Life Field.
Adolis Garcia went 2 for 4 with two solo home runs. The teams are meeting for the first time this season. In 2022, the Rockies won three of the four games between the teams, although they split their most recent two-game series at Coors Field in August.
ON THE MOUND
Karl Kauffmann is set for the start for Colorado, his season debut. For Texas, left-hander Martin Perez (4-1, 4.25 ERA) gets the start. Perez made two appearances against the Rockies in 2022, both starts, striking out nine and walking two over 10 innings (1-1, 2.70).
In his last start on May 12, Perez took a no-decision on the road against the Athletics. He threw five innings and gave up four runs on eight hits, striking out three and walking two in the 9-7 defeat.
AT THE PLATE
The Colorado offense is averaging 4.5 runs per game for the season, with a slash line of .256/.317/.399. Elias Diaz leads the team in OPS at .844. The catcher is slashing .331/.384/.460 with three home runs, 21 RBIs, and 14 runs over 38 games.
Over the last five games, however, Colorado has averaged 5.8 runs a game thanks in part to greater slugging (.449). Against lefties like Perez this season, the Rockies have a .677 OPS. Kris Bryant is the team’s strongest hitter against left-handers with a .852 OPS in 40 at-bats.
Texas is slashing .266/.337/.444 for the season and averaging 6.2 runs per game, best in the league. Jonah Heim leads the team with ann .883 OPS. The catcher has six home runs, 31 RBIs, and 26 runs scored with a slash line of .308/.372/.511.
The Rangers have a .770 OPS against righties in 2023. With a .937 OPS over 125 at-bats, Marcus Semien has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Colorado is 9-13 away from home in 2023, scoring 3.9 runs per game while allowing 3.8 runs. Texas has gone 13-8 at home this season, averaging 6.3 runs per game while surrendering 4.5. Colorado is 5-3 in eight games between the teams at Globe Life Field with an average scoreline of 4.1-2.9.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Rangers lead the AL West by two games over the Astros. The Rockies are fifth in the NL West, nine games behind the Dodgers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Texas Rangers (-225)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
