Astros vs. Rangers Prediction, Odds and Props: Texas to Take the Opener
In the opener of an American League West series in the Lone Star State, the Texas Rangers play host to the Houston Astros.
Alongside our Astros vs. Rangers prediction, you will get all of the game info from the standings and pitching matchups to player props and the odds for this divisional battle.
Caesars Sportsbook has the visiting Astros as the moneyline favorites in the opener at -140 with a total of 8 runs.
Astros vs. Rangers odds
| Moneyline | Total (Over/Under) | Run Line |
| Astros (-140) | Over 8 runs (-107) | Astros -1.5 runs (+120) |
| Rangers (+120) | Under 8 runs (-112) | Rangers +1;.5 runs (-145) |
The top online sportsbooks favor the Mariners at -145 to win the AL West, with the Rangers at +240, and the Astros at +475.
How we got here
Houston (46-49) is coming off a road series against the Washington Nationals, losing two of three games. It's 5-5 in the last 10 games, and sits in third place in the AL West, two games back of the Rangers.
Texas (47-46) took two of three games from the Los Angeles Angels in its last series, which was at home. It is 6-4 in the last 10 games and atop the AL West, a half-game up on the Seattle Mariners and two games clear of the Astros.
On the season, Texas is 22-21 at home, and Houston is 23-25 on the road.
Astros vs. Rangers betting analysis
By the numbers
Astros
- Runs – 10th
- Team ERA – 27th
Rangers
- Runs – Tied for 26th
- Team ERA – 11th
Pitching Matchup
Hunter Brown (1-0, 3.38 ERA, 1.36 WHIP) gets the nod for the Astros and is coming off his worst start of the season. He surrendered six runs in four innings, but the lineup bailed him out in a 10-8 win over the Tampa Bay Rays. Brown has given up 10 runs in his last two starts after only giving up one in the previous two, which came after over two months on the injured list.
Cal Quantrill (3-1, 3.35 ERA, 1.17 WHIP) goes for the Rangers. In his last start, Quantrill gave up three runs in five innings of a 3-0 loss to the Detroit Tigers. He has spent most of the season in the bullpen, and in two relief appearances against the Astros, he totaled four innings and gave up no runs.
Alvarez in mini-slump
All-Star starter Yordan Alvarez (.310, 29 home runs, 67 RBIs) ranks second in the Majors in home runs and third in RBIs. However, he's mired in a mini-slump with no home runs or RBIs in the last four games, in which he has one hit and six strikeouts.
Altuve showing power
While Jose Altuve (.231, 10 home runs, 26 RBIs) is only hitting .214 this month, he has two home runs and four RBIs over the last three games.
Pitching problems
The Astros have had pitching issues this season, ranking 27th in team ERA. In their last series, they allowed 20 runs in two losses of the three-game set.
The Astros have had the Rangers’ number
In the seven games between these division rivals this season, the Astros have won five times.
Texas’ top slugger is struggling
Like the Astros' top slugger, who is slumping, the same goes for Texas’ Jake Burger (.244, 15 home runs, 54 RBIs). He is also in a slump, with one home run over the last 10 games and two RBIs over the last six.
Duran helps out
Ezequiel Duran (.268, 8 home runs, 47 RBIs) had a home run in yesterday’s 7-6 win over the Angels, and he has gone yard twice with four RBIs over the last four games.
Astros vs. Rangers prediction: Rangers moneyline (+120)
The Rangers have solid value as an underdog in this home game. Brown is coming off a rough start, and Quantrill has pitched well against the Astros this season.
Texas will rely on its pitching strength in this contest, getting a solid game on the hill. While they won't light up the scoreboard, the Rangers will get a few runs, which will be enough to take the opener of this series.
Rangers vs. Astros player prop picks
Here are some player prop bets we like at DraftKings Sportsbook:
- Hunter Brown Under 5.5 strikeouts (+117) – Brown has not struck out more than four batters in his last three starts.
- Cal Quantrill to record a win (+296) – Pretty good value for the Texas starter to record a win, and he lasted five innings in his last outing.
