The Texas Rangers (+125) and their MLB-best lineup are set to host the Houston Astros (-145) at Globe Life Field on Friday for the opener of a four-game series. The early total has been set at 9 (O: -115 | U: -105).
The Astros (44-37) are kicking off the final series of their 10-game road trip. They won two out of three in their last series against the Cardinals, taking the finale 14-0 on Thursday at Busch Stadium.
Alex Bregman was 3 for 5 with a home run, three runs, and four RBIs, extending his on-base streak to 11 games. Kyle Tucker added a home run, two runs, and five RBIs.
The Rangers (49-32) are in the midst of an eight-game homestand. They split their last series against the Tigers, dropping the finale 8-5 on Thursday at Globe Life Field. Ezequiel Duran went 2 for 4 with a home run and two runs.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The Rangers have won two of three in the season series between the AL West rivals, including a 9-1 victory in their most recent meeting on April 16 at Minute Maid Park. Reliever Brock Burke was credited with the win after throwing one inning.
ON THE MOUND
Ronel Blanco (1-0, 4.63 ERA) is in line to start for Houston. The righty allowed three runs over six innings in his last start, an 8-7 road defeat against the Dodgers on Saturday.
He scattered two hits while striking out six and walking two in the no-decision. Over two previous appearances against the Rangers this season, Blanco has allowed only one earned run over three innings (0-0, 3.00). He has struck out four and walked one.
Right-hander Jon Gray (6-3, 2.89 ERA) will toe the rubber for Texas. He has made one prior start against the Astros this season, giving up one run over two innings in an 8-2 road defeat on April 15.
He gave up one hit and walked one while striking out two in the no-decision. In his last start on Saturday, Gray took the loss on the road against the Yankees. He threw five innings and gave up one run on three hits, striking out four and walking two in the 1-0 defeat.
AT THE PLATE
The Houston offense is averaging 4.7 runs per game for the season, with a slash line of .249/.319/.408. Tucker leads the team in OPS at .821. The left fielder is slashing .283/.360/.462 with 11 home runs, 49 RBIs, and 40 runs over 79 games.
Over the last five games, however, Houston has averaged 7.8 runs a game while slashing better across the board (.314/.392/.521). Against right-handed pitchers like Gray this season, the ‘Stros have a .720 OPS. Bregman is the team’s most productive hitter against right-handers with a .795 OPS in 233 at-bats.
Texas is slashing .274/.343/.459 for the season and averaging 6.0 runs per game, the best in MLB. Five Rangers hitters have an OPS of .800 or better, led by Adolis Garcia (.843).
The right fielder has 20 home runs, 66 RBIs, and 60 runs scored with a slash line of .263/.333/.510. The Rangers have a .784 OPS against right-handers in 2023, the third highest in the league. With a .847 OPS over 210 at-bats, Nathaniel Lowe has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Houston is 22-18 on the road in 2023, scoring 4.9 runs per game while allowing 3.8 runs. Texas has gone 26-15 at their home park this season, averaging 6.4 runs per game while surrendering 4.3. In the last 10 games at Globe Life Field between the teams, Houston is 8-2 with an average scoreline of 5.1-2.8.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Rangers lead the AL West by five games over the Astros.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Texas Rangers (-165)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
