Free MLB Picks Today: Texas Rangers vs Houston Astros 7/3/23

Corey Seager will be looking to extend his 21-game on-base streak as the Texas Rangers (50-34) host the Houston Astros (46-38) at Globe Life Field on Monday with the home team eyeing a split of the four-game series.

The Astros lead the series 2-1 after winning 5-3 on Sunday, their third head-to-head victory in six games this season. Hector Neris got the win with one scoreless inning out of the bullpen, and Ryan Pressly picked up his 17th save with a scoreless ninth.

Mauricio Dubon was 2 for 3 with a double, one run, and one RBI in the win. Jose Abreu went 3 for 5 with a double and one run. Nathaniel Lowe went 2 for 3 with a home run and a double for the Rangers. He drove in two runs.

ON THE MOUND

Cristian Javier (7-1, 3.72 ERA) is in line to get the start for Houston. The righty allowed six runs over four innings in his last start, a 10-7 home win over the Cardinals on Wednesday. He yielded eight hits while striking out one and walking one in the no-decision.

Javier is making his first appearance against the Rangers this season. Over five starts against the Rangers in 2022, Javier was 2-1 with a 2.96 ERA over 27.1 innings. He had 35 strikeouts and 11 walks. For Texas, left-hander Martin Perez (7-3, 4.28 ERA) will toe the rubber.

He has made one prior start against the Astros this season, giving up two runs over five innings in a 6-2 road win on April 14. He gave up five hits and walked four while striking out four in the win.

In his last start on Tuesday, Perez took a no-decision at home against the Tigers. He threw six innings and gave up two runs on four hits, striking out four and walking two in the 8-3 win.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Houston has averaged 7.2 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.6, while slashing better across the board (.288/.376/.492). Against lefties like Perez this season, the ‘Stros have a .742 OPS.

Yordan Alvarez is the team’s best performer against left-handers with a .988 OPS in 71 at-bats. Texas is averaging only 5.2 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 5.9 for the season.

The Rangers have a .785 OPS against right-handers in 2023, third highest in the league. With a .825 OPS over 241 at-bats, Adolis Garcia has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Houston is 24-19 away from home in 2023, scoring 4.9 runs per game while allowing 3.7 runs. Texas has gone 27-17 at home this season, averaging 6.2 runs per game while surrendering 4.3. Houston is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings at Globe Life Field with an average scoreline of 4.4-3.1.