Rangers vs. Astros Friday Prediction
The Rangers are struggling and are trading off assets for prospects at the trade deadline. In other words, it’s a bad time to play the defending champs. Will the Astros cover on the runline tonight when they host the Rangers at 8:10 p.m. ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
973 Texas Rangers (+230) at 974 Houston Astros (-270); 8.5 runs
Friday, July 27, 2018
8:10 p.m. ET, Minute Maid Park
TV: TEX (FSSW); HOU (ATTH)
Compare odds and from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our new Baseball Odds & Betting Page.
Public Betting Trends
Oddsmakers from online sportsbooks currently list the Astros as a -270 favorite. As of this writing, 78% of the betting tickets wagered at online sportsbooks are on the Astros to beat the Rangers on the moneyline. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our MLB Public Betting Page for updated figures on this game.
Rangers’ Gallardo shockingly shuts out Indians in last start
Yovani Gallardo blanked the Indians over six innings in a win on Sunday. To be blunt, Gallardo was just as lucky as he was good. He allowed seven baserunners — four of them walks — and he only struck out one. Still, give Gallardo credit for making key pitches when necessary. It’s easily the best start of the year for the 32-year-old veteran, as he came into the start with an ERA of 7.18. He’ll be back on the mound on Friday against the Astros. It would be a mistake to have him in your fantasy lineup for that one.
Astros’ Keuchel wins fifth straight, beats Angels
Dallas Keuchel pitched 7 2/3 innings of one-run ball in defeating the Angels on Friday. Four straight gems in a row for Keuchel, who could be in the running for July AL pitcher of the month honors. He’s 4-0 with a 1.30 ERA in July. The Astros are 7-1 in his last eight starts, with the only loss coming in a 1-0 game in which Keuchel didn’t allow the run.
MLB Betting Trends
Texas
The Rangers are just 5-16 in their last 21 games versus the Astros.
Houston
The Astros are 4-1 in Keuchel’s last five starts versus the Rangers.
Prediction:
The Astros have been dominant with Keuchel on the hill, winning 40 of his last 58 home starts and posting a 40-19 record in his last 59 outings versus the rest of the American League West. They’re also a perfect 5-0 in his last five starts overall. There is zero value on the moneyline and limited value on the runline but the latter is better nonetheless.
The Pick: Houston Astros -1.5 (-140)