Rangers vs Astros Series Odds: Houston Looks to Stay Hot
Astros Lost to Texas Nearly a Month Ago
After opening 1-4 at Minute Maid Park, the Houston Astros have reeled off eight consecutive victories there. They’ve held their opponent to two runs or fewer in each of the last seven. Oh, and by the way, they haven’t lost to the Texas Rangers in Houston since September 16, 2020, winning all 10 MLB matchups in H-Town in that span.
It’s somewhat impossible to ignore this trend when looking at the Rangers vs Astros series odds, but don’t lose sight of the fact that Texas is on a streak of its own.
Game Information
- Game: Rangers (17-19) at Astros (24-14)
- Location: Minute Maid Park
- Day/Time: Thursday, 8:10 p.m. ET
- Television: AT&T SportsNet Southwest, Bally Sports Southwest
Rangers vs Astros Probable Starting Pitchers
- Thursday: Glenn Otto (Rangers) vs Framber Valdez (Astros)
- Wednesday: Martin Perez (Rangers) vs Cristian Javier (Astros)
- Thursday: Jon Gray (Rangers) vs Justin Verlander (Astros)
- Friday: Taylor Hearn (Rangers) vs Jose Urquidy (Astros)
Rangers Coming in on High Note
A Nathaniel Lowe two-run shot in the 10th inning lifted the Texas Rangers to a dramatic 6-5 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday. Not only was it a huge swing for the struggling Lowe, it gave the Rangers their fourth straight win, tied for their longest run of the year.
“Right man, right spot,” Rangers manager Chris Woodward said of Lowe, who had a go-ahead RBI single in the previous game. “The weight was lifted yesterday.”
Indeed, if Lowe (and Marcus Semien, who had three hits) can get going, a lineup that has produced 30 runs during the win streak would look a lot different, and exactly why you must pay close attention to the Rangers vs Astros Series Odds.
One issue remains, however. Texas has done most of its damage at home, with the sweep of the Angels at Globe Life Field being the best example. It hits just .214 with a .617 OPS in road games, and we’ve already touched on how Minute Maid is not a welcoming environment for the Rangers.
That trend has to turn around at some point. But until it does, utilize these tendencies when conducting your MLB betting analysis.
Astros Stymied in Finale in Boston
It’s been a very good start to the season for Dusty Baker’s crew, but they had a Jekyll and Hyde trip to Fenway Park to begin the week.
After falling 6-3 in the opener, the Astros made history by becoming the third team ever to slug five home runs in an inning and later added a grand slam in Tuesday’s explosive 13-4 rout. They followed that up by recording just two hits (with zero walks) in a 5-1 setback to cap the series loss.
Regardless of what Houston is able to muster on the offensive end, it’s been the arms that have guided the club at home. The staff has a 2.52 ERA at Minute Maid, although the opposing starter in the Texas Rangers’ next game – Framber Valdez – is perhaps the only one who’s struggled there.
The 28-year-old is 0-1 with a 6.97 ERA in his two home starts.
Who’s Hot
Kole Calhoun, Rangers RF: Veteran slugger is 12-for-27 with four home runs and 11 RBIs over his last eight games
Brock Burke, Rangers RP: One win, two holds, and 9⅓ scoreless innings over five relief appearances – three of them at least two innings – this month
Jose Altuve, Astros 2B: Has hit safely in 13 of his last 14 games, slugging seven home runs in that span
Rafael Montero, Astros RP: The home run he allowed to Rangers shortstop Corey Seager on April 28 is the only run he’s given up in 15⅔ innings this year.
Who’s Not
Marcus Semien, Rangers 2B: His three hits Wednesday were a season high but he’s still looking for his first home run after hitting 45 last year.
Nick Solak, Rangers LF/DH: Just 4-for-29 with one extra-base hit over a 10-game span
Chas McCormick, Astros CF: 4-for-27 over his last nine games, although two of the four hits were homers.
Alex Bregman, Astros 3B: Missed out on the homer binge Tuesday and sat out Wednesday. 1-for-13 in his last four games.
Injury Update
The Lowe homer in the 10th came after Matt Bush blew a 4-2 lead in the ninth. So where was regular closer Joe Barlow? He was unavailable due to a “hot spot” on his finger.
Rangers Catcher Mitch Garver (elbow) and relievers Albert Abreu (ankle), Jonathan Hernandez (elbow) and Jose LeClerc (elbow) are all starting rehab assignments this week or next.
Astros right-hander Jake Odorizzi told reporters on Wednesday, he felt fortunate to avoid an Achilles injury after being carted off the field during Tuesday’s rout. He said an MRI showed some ligament and tendon damage but it was not as bad as he initially thought. There is no timetable for his return.
Rangers vs Astros Series Odds Betting Tips
There will be a time, perhaps this weekend, when the Rangers defeat the Astros in Houston. It’s coming. But this is an Astros squad that has won 17 of its last 22 overall and thrives at home – only the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers have a better home winning percentage.
Don’t forget the fact that Texas hasn’t won a roadie vs Houston since the previous administration was in office and no fans were allowed in the park. Also, there’s the fact that Houston figures to have the decided edge on the mound in three of the four matchups, with Valdez taking on Glenn Otto and his 6.38 ERA in the opener.
Stick with the ‘Stros until you have more evidence that things will go differently this series, and be sure to check out our preview for the Texas Rangers next game.
