Astros vs Rangers Odds: Two Former Mets Face Off in Critical AL West Battle

• Verlander has a 4.02 ERA on the road in 2023
• Houston has not won a game when scoring less than six runs since August 2
• Max Scherzer has a 2.24 ERA since joining the Rangers

Astros vs Rangers Odds

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Astros vs Rangers Pick

• My Pick: Rangers ML -120

Astros vs Rangers Predictions

Since being dealt to the Rangers at the deadline, Scherzer has been flooded with questions over the drama between Justin Verlander and himself in New York. Reports said the two did not get along, and Scherzer was to blame. While those rumors will persist, Scherzer will take out his frustration on Verlander and the Astros tonight. Look for him to silence the red-hot Houston lineup while the Rangers offense breaks out of their slump.

Houston Astros Predictions

The Astros were victims of a brutal sweep at the hands of the Yankees, but they have been back on track since. Houston took the first two games of this series, thanks to their offense putting up massive numbers. However, they will face a significantly more difficult task with Scherzer on the mound tonight for Texas. Houston has the series win locked up, and they will be heading to face the Padres, A’s, and Royals afterward. While there is no question they are shooting to win the division, they will fall victim to a Ranger team that needs this win more tonight.

Justin Verlander (10-7, 3.34 ERA) has a 3.86 ERA in six starts with the Astros, but it hasn’t always been pretty. He is coming off one of his worst starts, allowing six earned runs on eight hits across six innings. That included surrendering a whopping four home runs. Verlander’s 4.02 road ERA shows he struggles on the road and will be facing several stars that have hit him well in the past. Look for him to struggle to match Scherzer tonight, bringing this AL West race even closer.

While Houston flexed their offensive muscles in their first two series with the Rangers, the Yankees shut them down over the weekend. They scored just seven runs in three games, losing each. Part of that can be attributed to New York finally getting hot, but this has been a pattern for them in the second half of the season. Houston has not won a game where they didn’t score at least six runs since August 2. That shows how much they have relied on their ability to post large run totals, which will be a big problem tonight.

Texas Rangers Predictions

The Rangers looked like a World Series contender as of August 15, but that has now changed. The team has gone 4-13 since then, including two brutal losses to the Astros. The good news is they are still within two games of the division lead, but they need to win tonight. The offense has cooled a bit but is still doing enough to win, while the pitching is becoming a problem. The bullpen is shaky, and the rotation has regressed, but that won’t matter with their ace on the mound tonight.

At 39 years old, Max Scherzer (12-5, 3.55 ERA) continues to pitch at a high level. While his ERA reached 4.01 with the Mets, it has dropped to 2.24 ERA since in six starts with the Rangers. He has posted a quality start in all but one of those games and is coming off one of his best starts of the season. Scherzer allowed one hit and no runs across six innings against the Twins last week, his second scoreless outing with the Rangers. Both of those scoreless showings came at home, where the Rangers will be tonight. Look for him to put a Cy Young-worth stat lineup tonight against this talented Astros offense.

The Rangers offense is not responsible for their awful August, which is why we are betting on them tonight. Corey Seager has continued to be one of the best hitters in baseball, while reserve catcher Mitch Garver has become a major bat for this team. Adolis Garcia has seen his average dip, but he continues to be one of the best power hitters in the league. The Rangers have an impressive .277 batting average and .498 slugging percentage at home this season, where they have hit 123 of their 194 home runs. Combine that with Verlander’s struggles, and you have a recipe for a Rangers win.

How to Watch Astros vs Rangers

• What: Houston Astros vs Texas Rangers
• When: Wednesday, September 6 at 8:05 PM EST
• Where: Globe Life Field in Arlington, TX
• How to Watch: Bally Sports Southwest, At&T SportsNet Southwest, MLB.tv