The Houston Astros won’t be able to make a run for the American League West, but the wild card is still very much in play. Losers of four of five games, the Astros will seek to get back on track Monday against the Texas Rangers.
Martin Perez and Doug Fister are the probable starters. Perez (10-10, 4.25 ERA) fell to 5-3 with a 2.45 ERA in eight career starts against the ’Stros after surrendering five runs on eight hits and three walks in seven innings at Houston on August 5.
Fister (12-11, 4.14) dropped to 5-6 with a 5.18 ERA in 14 career starts against the Rangers on September 2. The 32-year-old is 0-5 in his last seven outings at home.
When the Astros play in the Lone Star State, the UNDER is trending. Houston has gone below the total in five of its last six at Minute Maid Park.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The Texas Rangers were listed as 124 underdogs on the MLB baseball moneyline at many online sportsbooks, including Sportsbook. The total was set at 9 before betting started earlier on Monday over at Sportsbook.
Handicapping models based on recent betting stats and prediction formulas pick a 4.4-3.8 win for the Rangers. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming MLB matchups here.
Texas Rangers vs Houston Astros Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
Houston (75-68) will face the 85-59 Rangers in this tilt. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Houston vs Texas injuries news.
The Odds Shark MLB Power Rankings have the Houston Astros at No. 20 and the Texas Rangers at No. 13 heading into this contest.
Statistical Matchup
Rating these teams in several key categories is important for handicappers and Houston has baseball's No. 12-rated offensive output, at 8.45 hits per game. The Texas Rangers average 9.01 hits per game, good for No. 7 on the list.
Comparing defensive stats, Texas owns the No. 14-rated road mark, allowing 4.61 runs per game on the highway. Houston, on the other hand, rates No. 24 in scoring at home.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Texas suffered a 3-2 loss against Los Angeles on Sunday, as C Lewis wasn't able to lead his team to victory at Angel Stadium.
Houston suffered a 9-5 loss against Chicago on Sunday, as M Fiers wasn't able to lead his team to victory at Minute Maid Park.
Next Betting Matchups
Texas at Houston, Tuesday, September 13th