A’s vs. Rangers Prediction
The Oakland A’s are hot and will get another crack at taking down their American League West rivals the Texas Rangers on Wednesday night. Will the A’s pick up another victory when the divisional foes meet at 8:05 p.m. ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
973 Oakland A’s (-105) at 974 Texas Rangers (-115); 10.5 runs
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
8:05 p.m. ET, Globe Life Park in Arlington
TV: OAK (CSCA); TEX (FSSW)
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Public Betting Trends
Oddsmakers from online sportsbook YouWager currently list the Rangers as a -115 favorite. As of this writing, 60% of the betting tickets wagered at online sportsbooks are on the Rangers to beat the A’s on the money line. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our MLB Public Betting Page for updated figures on this game.
A’s Graveman gets rocked once again
Kendall Graveman was knocked around for six earned runs, seven hits and no walks with six strikeouts over five innings in a loss Friday against the Red Sox. Despite the poor performance, he was encouraged by his new delivery, including a souped-up changeup.
He has allowed seven homers, tied for the most in the majors with Texas SP Cole Hamels. Graveman also has a 10.07 ERA through five starts, and the team has reportedly considered sending him down to Triple-A Nashville to iron out his issues. Daniel Gossett could be the pitcher who replaces Graveman in the rotation, if that’s the way the A’s organization decides to go.
Rangers’ Fister set to rejoin rotation following injury
Doug Fister (hip) is scheduled to rejoin the Rangers’ rotation Wednesday against the Athletics. Fister threw a bullpen session last Friday and is slated to throw another one Sunday.
Assuming all goes well, he will then take the ball Wednesday. The veteran right-hander posted a 3.95 ERA over his first three starts before going down with a right hip strain.
MLB Betting Trends
Oakland
The A’s are 0-4 in Graveman’s last four starts and are 8-23 in his last 31 road outings.
Texas
The Rangers have dropped five of their last seven games when playing the third game of a series.
Prediction:
I can’t back Graveman and I don’t know what to expect from Fister. Graveman, however, has been shelled in his first five starts of the season and Fister is going against one of the most underrated offenses in baseball. While the over didn’t come through for me on Tuesday night in Arlington, I do like Wednesday night’s matchup to be high-scoring.
The Pick: A’s/Rangers over 10.5