Free MLB Picks Today: Texas Rangers vs Houston Astros 8/31/22

Free MLB Picks Today: Texas Rangers vs Houston Astros 8/31/22
Wed 31st August 2022

Adolis Garcia will be looking to extend his 25-game on-base streak as the Texas Rangers (58-70) host the Houston Astros (83-47) at Globe Life Field on Wednesday with the visitors eyeing a sweep of the two-game series. The Astros took Tuesday’s series opener 4-2, their 11th head-to-head victory in 15 games this season. Starter Framber Valdez got the win, giving up two runs on seven hits over eight innings and striking out eight, and Hector Neris picked up his third save with a scoreless ninth. Jose Altuve was 2 for 5 with a home run and a double in the win. He scored two runs. Bubba Thompson went 2 for 3 with a solo home run for the Rangers. Ezequiel Duran added a solo home run.

ON THE MOUND

Cristian Javier (7-9, 2.97 ERA) is in line for the start for Houston. The RHP allowed two runs in three innings of relief in his last appearance, a 2-0 road defeat against the Orioles on Friday. He was charged with the loss, giving up three hits while striking out four and walking one. Over three previous starts against the Rangers this season, Javier has allowed only five earned runs over 17 innings (1-1, 2.65). He has struck out 20 and walked six. For Texas, southpaw Martin Perez (10-4, 2.69 ERA) gets the ball. He has made three appearances against the Astros this season, all starts, giving up eight runs over 21 innings (1-1, 3.43) with 11 strikeouts and four walks. In his last start on August 24, Perez got the win on the road against the Rockies. He threw six scoreless innings and gave up four hits, striking out seven and walking one in the 16-4 triumph.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Houston has averaged only 2.8 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.5, while performing worse across the board (.217/.283/.329). Against lefties like Perez this season, the ‘Stros have a .758 OPS. Altuve is the team’s best performer against left-handers with a 1.038 OPS in 108 at-bats. Texas is averaging 7.0 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.5 for the season, with an improved slash line (.306/.356/.556). The Rangers have a .685 OPS against right-handers in 2022. With an .802 OPS over 334 at-bats, Corey Seager has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Houston is 40-27 on the road in 2022, scoring 4.5 runs per game while allowing 3.4 runs. Texas has lost three in a row at Globe Life Field. The Rangers are 28-37 at home this season, averaging 4.2 runs per game while surrendering 4.9. Houston is 8-2 in the last 10 games between the AL West rivals at Globe Life Field with an average scoreline of 5.3-2.7.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Astros lead the AL West by 11 games over the Mariners. The Rangers are third in the AL West, 24 games behind the Astros.

SportsTips’ MLB Pick:

Houston Astros

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