Dodgers vs Rangers Head to Head: Texas Emerging as WS Contender
AL West-Leading Rangers Unbeaten Since All-Star Break

Following their sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays, the first-place Texas Rangers now get another big test. The Los Angeles Dodgers will visit Globe Life Field for a three-game series, starting Friday.
In the Dodgers vs Rangers matchup, Los Angeles is a -105 favorite to win outright in the opener, with Texas priced at +120. The projected total is 9.5, with the Over juiced to -110.
Read on for a Dodgers vs Rangers head to head matchup preview.
Regaining Order
As expected, the Los Angeles Dodgers have climbed back atop the National League West. Los Angeles is 55-40, 1.5 games ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Francisco Giants. In doing so, their price to win the division has jumped to -350, a slight increase from spring training (-140).
The Dodgers are 8-2 over their last 10 games on the MLB schedule and own the second-best run differential (plus-91) in the NL behind the Atlanta Braves (plus-143). Their lineup is deep and versatile, headlined by MVP candidates Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, and their rotation is emerging thanks to an influx of promising rookies.
With 27 home runs in 92 baseball games, Betts is on pace to surpass his career high (35) from last season. He’s been especially hot of late, with five homers and an 1.124 OPS in 55 at-bats this month. As such, Betts’ MVP odds have jumped to +750, though Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. is still a heavy frontrunner (-500). Freeman, who is hitting .320 with 17 homers and 64 RBI, is third at +1400. Expect both Betts and Freeman to factor prominently in the Dodgers vs Rangers head to head matchup.
Entering Thursday, Los Angeles ranked second in homers and third in runs across baseball. It is +250 to make the World Series and +600 to win it all.
Texas Catching Steam
Winners of six straight and seven of 10, the Texas Rangers have increased their lead atop the American League West to 4.5 games. They’re now a -160 favorite to win the division after opening +1000 in spring training.
The Rangers avoided a slight scare during Wednesday’s 5-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays when All-Star outfielder Adolis Garcia was hit by pitch in the forearm.Garcia, who leads baseball with 80 RBI, left the game after his at-bat in the eighth inning and underwent X-rays, which came back negative. Garcia should be good to return to the lineup following Thursday’s off day.
That’s significant news for a Texas team that leads baseball in runs and is tied for fifth in homers, per MLB team stats. The Rangers have outscored opponents by an MLB-best 166 runs, indicating they’re here to stay a legitimate contender.
Texas is currently priced +450 to win the AL and +1000 to capture its first World Series title.
Odds Outlook
The Dodgers vs Rangers head to head matchup will feature two of baseball’s most profitable teams among bettors. Texas’ record against the run line is 58-39, second to the Cincinnati Reds (61-36). With a 53-42 record ATS, Los Angeles isn’t far behind. The Rangers are an MLB-best 32-19 ATS at home, including 24-17 when favored. Meanwhile, the Dodgers are 30-20 ATS on the road.
âš¾ Game 1 âš¾
Location: Andrew Heaney vs Tony Gonsolin
Date & Time:
Heaney is 6-6 with a 4.43 and has struck out 97 in 91.1 innings. The 32-year-old left-hander has allowed zero runs in two of his three starts in July. He opposes Gonsolin, who has a 3.72 ERA in 14 starts since beginning the season on the injured list with a left ankle sprain.
âš¾ Game 2 âš¾
Location: Dane Dunning vs Bobby Miller
Date & Time:
Despite a career low strikeout rate (5.7 K/9), Dunning has pitched fairly well. He’s 8-2 in 21 appearances (13 starts) with a 2.82 ERA. The Dodgers will counter with the 24-year-old Miller, who is 5-1 with a 4.25 ERA as a rookie. Miller exited his last start, a 2-1, 10-inning loss to the New York Mets on Sunday, after 4.2 innings because of right knee discomfort. However, it’s not expected to be an issue.
âš¾ Game 3 âš¾
Location: Martin Perez vs Emmet Sheehan
Date & Time:
Perez has struggled to recapture his All-Star form from 2022. The 32-year-old southpaw has a 4.84 ERA and 1.50 WHIP. In two starts this month, his ERA is 12.79. The Dodgers will turn to another promising rookie in Sheehan, who has won three of his first five starts and owns a 1.17 WHIP.
For MLB odds, betting news, analysis and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
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